Cole Payton was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft, selected in the sixth round with the 178th overall pick. He joins a QB room headlined by Jalen Hurts and veteran backup options, and is viewed as a development prospect with upside.[1][2]
Latest developments and context:
If you’d like, I can pull a few more reputable outlets for a quick comparison of Payton’s draft profile and scouting consensus, or summarize how similar ND State QBs fared in the NFL to set expectations.
In a world where people like to force “the next Taysom Hill” each draft season, Payton actually has the ingredients to potentially be worthy of that comparison. He is a well-above-average athlete for the position and a decent enough passer (lefty) to play as an H-back and even a dropback quarterback in a pinch. However, his play as a quarterback under pressure against NFL-caliber competition is still quite unproven.
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www.newsnow.co.ukNorth Dakota State’s Cole Payton flashes dual-threat potential as an NFL prospect—could he become the next franchise quarterback? His rare combination of athleticism, powerful frame, and run-game versatility draws comparisons to Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts. Payton’s explosive 4.56 40-yard dash and impressive vertical jump underscore his impact as a QB, while his accuracy and football IQ suggest a high upside for NFL teams searching for dynamic signal-callers....
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