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, 2026QB 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, 2026Cole 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/h7Go6JTIPrpic.twitter.com/NYKLYkT6xy— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 25, 2026ICYMI: 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, 2026Payton, 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. #Eagleshttps://t.co/YppxpRwAFg— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) April 25, 2026Cole Payton was only a one-year starter at North Dakota State but he started to develop a bit the more experience he got. He’s got a nice deep ball, saw some growth stepping into pockets.
Interesting pick here for the #Eagles.pic.twitter.com/JKVcwFKKxq— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 25, 2026New Eagles QB Cole Payton —• 6-foot-3, 233 pounds• 16 passing TD, 13 rushing TD in 2025• Hyper accurate, 72% comp. last year• A LEFTYWill be a fun preseason watch. pic.twitter.com/Zerq1zBncN— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 25, 2026The Eagles have added to the Quarterback FactorySome thoughts on Cole Payton:** Very funny the Eagles have added a quarterback out of North Dakota State to backup Jalen Hurts** College stats: 72% on 225 attempts, 2,719 yards, 16 TD, 4 INT in one season…136 carries for 777… pic.twitter.com/lMy5LvoLTK— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 25, 2026Cole Payton is the first Lefty QB drafted in #Eagles franchise history.Also, first player from NDSU they have selected since Carson Wentz. pic.twitter.com/I9dgk17nMh— James Simone (@JamesSimoneNFL) April 25, 2026At No. 178, the Eagles select North Dakota State QB Cole Payton — an excellent athlete who could play multiple roles on offense.“Really, he’s a Taysom Hill clone. If you drafted him, it’s a project.”https://t.co/OgfkCBGSvX— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026Fun fact about new Eagles QB Cole Payton:He actually started a game at running back for North Dakota State in 2024.While Payton will need time to develop, he could play a unique Taysom Hill-esque role too. pic.twitter.com/fJCpVMB1lr— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) April 25, 2026