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Eagles Draft Surprise: QB Cole Payton, The Next Taysom Hill?
25 Apr
Summary
- Eagles draft North Dakota State QB Cole Payton at pick 178.
- Payton, a dual-threat athlete, rushed for 1,840 yards and 31 TDs.
- Scouts see him as a potential utility player or developmental backup.
The Philadelphia Eagles have selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, picking him 178th overall. Payton, who started for just one season at NDSU, possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism, drawing comparisons to Taysom Hill.
During his five years in college, Payton accumulated an impressive 1,840 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, with over 1,000 of those yards coming before his starting year in 2025. As a passer in 2025, he completed 72 percent of his passes for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions, demonstrating strong arm strength and touch on deep throws.
Payton's athletic capabilities make him a candidate for an immediate utility role in the NFL. However, evaluators are debating whether he will evolve into more than a gadget player or a career backup. His draft position reflects this developmental status, as he was ranked 126th among quarterbacks by Dane Brugler.
Scouts have noted Payton's raw passing mechanics and release but are intrigued by his mobility and run strength. He is seen as a 'green' prospect requiring patience, but his dual-threat nature and competitive drive present promising qualities for a developmental quarterback.
