Cole Payton reactions: Eagles draft another NDSU quarterback

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:

Cole Payton pic.twitter.com/ZYgL3hZ4MD

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) April 25, 2026 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.

— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 25, 2026 Cole Payton (6’3”, 235)

Southpaw with easy pop to all levels with some arm arrogance to him. Outstanding\\ dual-threat option (29 carries of 10-plus yds in ‘25).

Wouldn’t be shocked to see some certain packages from Sean Mannion to get him on the field. Fun player that was a…

— Ryan Fowler (@\RyanFowler\) April 25, 2026 #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/h7Go6JTIPr pic.twitter.com/NYKLYkT6xy

— Devin Jackson (@RealD\_Jackson) April 25, 2026 ICYMI: I labeled new Eagles QB Cole Payton as “My Guy” at the position in a podcast episode with the great @iNoSports\_.

Here’s what I had to say about Payton and why I’m so high on his skillset at the next level: pic.twitter.com/dAtHwwQkgb

— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) April 25, 2026 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.