The Indianapolis Colts are evaluating quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL draft, hosting North Dakota State's Cole Payton and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier for official visits. Each NFL team can invite up to 30 draft prospects for these visits.
The Indianapolis Colts are doing their homework on the quarterback position in the 2026 NFL draft.
According to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Colts are hosting North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton on an official pre-draft visit. Indianapolis has also had LSU's Garrett Nussmeier in for a visit as well.
During the pre-draft process, each NFL team can have up to 30 draft prospects take an official visit. These visits can be with first-round prospects all the way to UDFAs.
Let's take a closer look at what Payton could bring to the Colts.
The 2025 season was Payton's first as a full-year starter. He completed 71% of his 226 pass attempts, averaging a whopping 12.0 yards per pass attempt with 16 touchdowns to four interceptions.
Among all FCS quarterbacks, Payton ranked first in yards per pass attempt by a wide margin, according to PFF. He also took care of the ball with a turnover-worthy play rate of only 2% and ranked first in big-time throw rate as well, showcasing his ability to make downfield and tight-window throws.
Payton is the 112th-ranked prospect overall on the consensus big board.
Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to say about Payton in his pre-draft report:
"Payton is a dual-threat, single-season FCS starter with good size. He’s a lefty with shoddy mechanics and subpar arm talent, but he still manages to deliver throws with touch to all three levels. He lacks drive velocity to dot throws into tight windows and might not have the timing needed to outfox pro zone defenders, though. He’s not shifty but excels when short yardage is needed and has build-up speed for explosive runs once he gets rolling. Payton projects as a QB3 and will require packaged plays to take advantage of his rushing ability until he proves himself a functional pocket passer."
With Daniel Jones under contract, the need here is low. The Colts put all of their offseason eggs in the Daniel Jones basket, believing that the success that he had through the first half of last season can be repeated and sustained, even with him coming off a major injury.
Assuming the Colts do find a trade partner for Anthony Richardson, that still leaves them with Riley Leonard as the team's backup. Leonard impressed during his Week 18 start against Houston last season, showcasing that he is ready to fill that backup role.
Perhaps later in the draft or afterward in undrafted free agency, the Colts will make an addition to compete with Seth Henigan for the third quarterback spot on the depth chart. Before the Colts can bring in another developmental quarterback, there are more pressing needs to tackle.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts hosting NDSU QB Cole Payton on visit
The Colts are currently considering North Dakota State's Cole Payton and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.
NFL teams can invite up to 30 draft prospects for official visits during the pre-draft process.
Pre-draft visits allow NFL teams to evaluate potential draft picks in person and assess their fit for the team.
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