Grading the selection of OL BIlly Schrauth by the Bucs
The Buccaneers bolster their offensive line by selecting Billy Schrauth from Notre Dame in the fifth round.
Cole Payton has been drafted as a quarterback from North Dakota State, following in the footsteps of notable alumni like Carson Wentz and Trey Lance. He was selected by the same NFL team that drafted Wentz a decade ago.
Cole Payton started one season at quarterback for North Dakota State. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
(Cooper Neill via Getty Images)
We’re used to seeing North Dakota State quarterbacks get drafted in the NFL.
Cole Payton isn’t nearly the same level prospect as Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, who both went in the top three of their respective NFL Draft classes, but he joined the list of North Dakota State quarterbacks to get drafted. And it was to the team that took Wentz 10 years ago.
Payton went to the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, with the 178th overall pick. He joins a crowded quarterback room, led by Jalen Hurts and also including Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee. McKee has been the subject of trade rumors and perhaps the pick of Payton is another sign he’ll be moved.
North Dakota State has had a heck of a run for an FCS school when it comes to the NFL Draft. Wentz and Lance were the highest profile quarterbacks to get selected from NDSU, and also Easton Stick was a 2019 fifth-round pick and Cam Miller went in the sixth round last year.
Miller was the reason Payton only had one season as a starter in college. Payton took over after Miller went to the NFL and had a fantastic season. He was a second-team FCS All-American passing for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions. He also had 777 rushing yards. He set school records for passer rating (193.8), yards per pass attempt (12.1), total offense yards per game (268.9) and yards per play (9.71).
Cole Payton was drafted by the same NFL team that selected Carson Wentz ten years ago.
Cole Payton is not considered as high a prospect as Carson Wentz and Trey Lance, who were both drafted in the top three of their classes.
Cole Payton started one season at quarterback for North Dakota State before entering the NFL Draft.
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Payton’s dual threat ability and his strong final season for the Bison got him on the NFL’s radar. His lack of experience means that he’ll be a long-term project in the NFL. That work can start now with the Eagles after he was the latest Bison quarterback to get drafted.