Payton Zdroik
Career Summary
Payton Zdroik is a defensive lineman who played at Air Force before signing with the Rams in 2026.
His NFL entry came through undrafted free agency.
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Early Life
Zdroik is from Brentwood, California.
Both parents graduated from the Air Force Academy; his father played football and his mother swam. He attended the Academy's prep school.
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High School
Zdroik played football and baseball at Liberty High School.
He earned three years of all-state football recognition and helped his team win a state championship as a junior.
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College Career
Zdroik developed into a starting defensive lineman at Air Force.
In 2022, he played 13 games with 10 starts, recording 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. In 2024, he made 10 appearances with six starts and collected 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
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Path to the NFL
The Rams signed Zdroik as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2026.
Los Angeles had announced an agreement with the Air Force product in April before recording the formal signing in May.
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NFL Career
Zdroik spent the 2026 preseason with Los Angeles.
The Rams waived him on August 30 as part of their roster reduction before the regular season.
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Career Accomplishments
Zdroik produced notable pass-rushing performances for Air Force.
He recorded two sacks against Colorado State in 2022 and a sack with two tackles for loss against James Madison in the 2023 bowl game.
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32387, 00-0041423, 1/9/2002, Payton Zdroik, Payton, Zdroik
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
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2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.