Throughout training camp, Payton has had solid performances and proved he can keep up with the Saints receivers. Dennis Allen has consistently said young/unproven players need to stand above the rest to make this team. Being part of this group, Payton would either need to start having even better performances in camp, which is very hard for cornerbacks, or play really well in preseason. In the first game against the Arizona Cardinals, Payton stood out, recording four forced incompletions, two tackles, and allowing only one reception. With this performance, PFF gave Payton a 90.9 coverage grade, which ranked first among rookies, and a 91.7 overall grade, which ranked second among rookies.