Summaries and analysis may be AI-assisted. Content is for informational purposes only.
Not professional advice.
© 2026 . All rights reserved.
Eagles take developmental QB prospect in NFL draft: Cole Payton profile |
Home / Sports / Eagles take developmental QB prospect in NFL draft: Cole Payton profile Sports
Eagles take developmental QB prospect in NFL draft: Cole Payton profile TL;DR The Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Cole Payton with the 178th pick in the NFL draft. Payton, a left-handed player from North Dakota State, completed 72% of his passes and scored 16 touchdowns in his starting season.
Key points Eagles drafted Cole Payton with the 178th overall pick Payton completed 72% of his passes in college He threw 16 touchdowns and rushed for 13 touchdowns Payton was a finalist for the Walter Payton award He is compared to Taysom Hill by Mel Kiper Jr. Cole Payton Philadelphia Eagles NFL draft Walter Payton award
The Philadelphia Eagles went back to the North Dakota State well for a quarterback 10 years after they took Carson Wentz No. 2 overall in 2016.
With the 38th pick of the fifth round (No. 178 overall), the Eagles drafted Cole Payton. The southpaw – Philadelphia loves a lefty like Rocky Balboa – signal-caller completed 72 percent of his passes during his one season as a starter. He threw 16 touchdowns (four interceptions) and averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 136 attempts (29 carries of more than 10 yards) to go with 13 rushing touchdowns.
The Bison went 12-1 and Payton was a finalist for the Walter Payton award, given to the top player in FCS.
Payton, 6-3 and 230 pounds, was the sixth quarterback taken of the draft. But ESPN Mel Kiper Jr. predicted he won’t merely be a backup quarterback for Philadelphia.
“This kid can be Taysom Hill ,” said Kiper, who guessed the Eagles will create a package of plays specifically for Payton.
“You got to love what Howie Roseman does and what they do in the draft,” Kiper added.
The Omaha, Nebraska, native is accustomed to waiting his turn. He served as the Bisons’ backup for four seasons before starting for one year as a fifth-year senior.
With a solid arm, Payton’s ball possesses a nice touch and his mobility is his calling card. He was voted the top quarterback during two days of Senior Bowl week.
Eagles QB depth chart: What pick means for Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP starting quarterback, unseated Wentz as a rookie and second-round pick. Payton is more of a developmental project, but he is joining a crowded Eagles quarterback room.
Philadelphia traded for veteran Andy Dalton this offseason and Tanner McKee – trade rumors will certainly intensify around him now – is also on the roster already.
Jalen Hurts
Andy Dalton
Tanner McKee
Cole Payton
Of all the quarterbacks on Philadelphia’s roster, though, Payton mirrors Hurts’ skill set the most.
Q&A Who is Cole Payton and what are his stats? Cole Payton is a quarterback from North Dakota State who completed 72% of his passes, threw 16 touchdowns, and averaged 5.7 yards per carry with 13 rushing touchdowns.
What pick did the Eagles use to draft Cole Payton? The Eagles drafted Cole Payton with the 38th pick of the fifth round, which is the 178th overall pick in the NFL draft.
How does Cole Payton compare to Taysom Hill? ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. suggested that Cole Payton could be utilized similarly to Taysom Hill, indicating the Eagles might create specific plays for him.
What was Cole Payton's college record? During his season as a starter, Cole Payton led the North Dakota State Bison to a 12-1 record and was a finalist for the Walter Payton award.
Related Articles NFL
Jaguars reportedly make quarterback signing in undrafted free agency Jaguars add QB Joey Aguilar after 2026 NFL draft
Yahoo Sports · 8m ago · 1 min read
Sports
Shai deja a los Suns vistos para sentencia Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anota 42 puntos y los Thunder derrotan a los Suns 121-109.
Marca · 10m ago · 1 min read
Sports
Miami Dolphins Discussion: 2026 NFL Draft Best/Worst Edition Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL Draft: Key Picks and Analysis
Yahoo Sports · 11m ago · 1 min read
Sports
Key contributor pops up on 76ers' injury report ahead of Game 4 vs. Celtics Yahoo Sports · 11m ago
Sports
Cole Payton goes to the Eagles Yahoo Sports · 12m ago
Sports
Penn Relays conclude with a full schedule of high school boys running events on Saturday's final day Yahoo Sports · 13m ago
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi
The 2026 NFL Draft continues Friday, April 24, as teams move into Rounds 2 and 3.
See how the next wave of prospects comes off the board as draft weekend rolls on.
Arizona Cardinals: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Buffalo Bills: T.J. Parker, DE/LB, Clemson
Houston Texans (from Raiders): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
New York Giants: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona
Cleveland Browns: WR Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets): Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan
Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young, DE/OLB, Missouri
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Atlanta Falcons: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Carolina Panthers (from Vikings): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
New York Jets (from Lions): D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers): LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers): LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
New England Patriots (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas, DE/OLB, Illinois
Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Cleveland Browns (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Houston Texans: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Buffalo Bills (from Broncos): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, G/C, Florida
Seattle Seahawks: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami (Fla.)
Denver Broncos (from Titans via Bills): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, DE/OLB, Auburn
Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Markel Bell, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Chicago Bears (from Texans via Giants and Bears): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
San Francisco 49ers (from Browns): Romello Height, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Cincinnati Bengals: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
New Orleans Saints: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
New York Giants (from Chiefs and Browns): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Miami Dolphins: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Green Bay Packers (from Buccaneers): Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Indianapolis Colts: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Baltimore Ravens: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions): Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Packers): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Pittsburgh Steelers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Cleveland Browns (from Chargers): Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Chicago Bears: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Las Vegas Raiders (from Bills via Texans): Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M
Dallas Cowboys (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham, OLB, Michigan
Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT/G, Missouri
Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
New England Patriots: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Seahawks): Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa
Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory Selection): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Minnesota Vikings (from Eagles; Compensatory Selection): Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (Fla.)
Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers; Compensatory Selection): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions; Special Compensatory Selection): Jalen Huskey, CB/S, Maryland
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi
The 2026 NFL Draft continues Friday, April 24, as teams move into Rounds 2 and 3.
See how the next wave of prospects comes off the board as draft weekend rolls on.
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi
The 2026 NFL Draft continues Friday, April 24, as teams move into Rounds 2 and 3.
See how the next wave of prospects comes off the board as draft weekend rolls on.
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Arizona Cardinals: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Buffalo Bills: T.J. Parker, DE/LB, Clemson
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Houston Texans (from Raiders): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New York Giants: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns: WR Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets): Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young, DE/OLB, Missouri
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts): Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Atlanta Falcons: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers (from Vikings): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New York Jets (from Lions): D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers): LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers): LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New England Patriots (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas, DE/OLB, Illinois
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Chicago Bears: Logan Jones, C, Iowa
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Houston Texans: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Buffalo Bills (from Broncos): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, G/C, Florida
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Seattle Seahawks: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Arizona Cardinals: Carson Beck, QB, Miami (Fla.)
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Denver Broncos (from Titans via Bills): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Las Vegas Raiders: Keyron Crawford, DE/OLB, Auburn
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Markel Bell, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Chicago Bears (from Texans via Giants and Bears): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers (from Browns): Romello Height, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Washington Commanders: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cincinnati Bengals: Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New Orleans Saints: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New York Giants (from Chiefs and Browns): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cowboys): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Green Bay Packers (from Buccaneers): Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Indianapolis Colts: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Baltimore Ravens: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions): Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Packers): Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns (from Chargers): Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Chicago Bears: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Las Vegas Raiders (from Bills via Texans): Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Dallas Cowboys (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham, OLB, Michigan
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Los Angeles Rams: Keagen Trost, OT/G, Missouri
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
New England Patriots: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers (from Seahawks): Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings (Compensatory Selection): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings (from Eagles; Compensatory Selection): Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (Fla.)
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers; Compensatory Selection): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Every pick from Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars (from Lions; Special Compensatory Selection): Jalen Huskey, CB/S, Maryland