Cole Payton reactions: Eagles draft another NDSU quarterback
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Cole Payton of the North Dakota State Bison throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Eagles waited around for over four hours before making their first selection on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and with their pick, they selected quarterback Cole Payton out of North Dakota State University. Payton is now the second QB taken by Philadelphia out of NDSU, following in the footsteps of Carson Wentz a decade earlier.
Howie Roseman once infamously called Philadelphia a QB factory, and Payton’s addition would qualify. The team didn’t bring back last year’s draft pick, Kyle McCord, but did trade for veteran Andy Dalton this offseason. That means Payton will be entering a QB room that includes Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Dalton. Some think this moves indicates that McKee is closer to being traded, but he could just be a practice squad, developmental guy to bring in now before McKee leaves next year in free agency.
Here’s what some analysts from around the league had to say about Payton:
QB is the most important position in football. If there is one you like, go get him. You never know when you'll hit a home run. Payton will be a cheap backup after McKee leaves and that's important. Could develop into a starter down the road, like McKee.
#Eagles take NDSU Cole Payton here in the fifth round. Special running ability for the lefty, oozes athleticism and someone that can develop over the next couple of years. He’s someone I mentioned as an option for the Eagles earlier this month. pic.twitter.com/h7Go6JTIPrpic.twitter.com/NYKLYkT6xy
Payton, 23, is a tough, dual-threat quarterback. He became a full-time starter for the Bison last season, passing for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 777 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. #Eagleshttps://t.co/YppxpRwAFg
Cole Payton was only a one-year starter at North Dakota State but he started to develop a bit the more experience he got. He’s got a nice deep ball, saw some growth stepping into pockets. Interesting pick here for the #Eagles.
1 week ago
3
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Cole Payton of the North Dakota State Bison throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images 