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0:292026 NFL Draft Grades: Eagles Select Cole Payton No. 178
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11:40Biggest Questions Facing the NFC East Post-Draft
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2:002026 NFL Draft Grades: Eagles
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2:04NFL Draft Day 2: Which QB Will Be 3rd Taken?
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9:03John Breech's Top-10 QB Predictions In This Year's Draft
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9:52Cole Payton NFL Combine Interview
Draft Scouting Report
Pro Comparison: Sam Howell
Summary
Cole Payton has arguably the most impressive blend of tape and talent outside of the first round in this year’s quarterback class. The challenge is that it comes from just one season as a starter in a run-heavy offense against lower-level competition. Still, Payton averaged 12.0 yards per attempt with a 71.2% completion rate last fall. He has a plus arm and legitimate rushing ability that defenses must account for. Payton will need development, but he has the physical tools teams like to work with.
About
- Career: Two-time FCS national champion (2021, 2024)
- 2025: Set NDSU single-season records for pass efficiency (193.8), yards per attempt (12.1) and total offense (268.9 yards per game, 9.71 yards per play)
Strengths
- Big-bodied quarterback built more like a running back.
- Arm strength to drive throws 40+ yards downfield.
- Accurate on the move and capable of making impressive throws outside of structure.
Weaknesses
- Only one year as a starter with 377 career dropbacks across five seasons.
- Frequently turns down open throws and holds the ball too long.
- Performance dipped late in the season during the playoff loss.
Combine Data
- 40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
- Vertical jump: 40 inches
- 20-yard shuttle run: 4.36 seconds
- Broad jump: 10 feet, 10 inches
- 3-cone drill: 7.12 seconds
Top Cole Payton News
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Eagles' Cole Payton: Punches ticket for Philly
The Eagles selected Payton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 178th overall.
Payton finally took over the starting job at North Dakota State in his fifth season and looked excellent, completing 72 percent of passes for 2,719 yards (12.1 YPA), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing 136 times for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has a strong arm that still needs some tuning with its accuracy, but his legs are phenomenal. Payton had six carries of 30-plus yards in 2025 before running a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 232 pounds at the NFL Combine. His tools are rare, but his lack of experience is a concern and can easily remind us of former NDSU quarterback Trey Lance. However, Payton is less risky as a fifth-round pick (Lance went third overall), meaning the Eagles can take their time with his development while Jalen Hurts remains the starter. The Eagles also have quarterbacks Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton on the roster, and one of those two will need to get cut for Payton to make the 53-man roster.
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Player Bio
| HT/WT: 6-3, 233 lbs |
| Birthplace: Omaha, NE |
| Age: 23 |