Cole Payton becomes the fifth consecutive Bison QB to enter the NFL as Philadelphia's latest pick in the draft
Category: Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles have selected Cole Payton, a quarterback from North Dakota State University, with the No. 178 pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a notable return to the FCS powerhouse for the franchise. Payton is the fifth consecutive Bison quarterback to be drafted into the NFL, following the likes of Carson Wentz, Easton Stick, Trey Lance, and Cam Miller. The selection comes exactly ten years after the Eagles picked Wentz second in the draft, a move that initially set the stage for the team's future at the quarterback position.
Payton, a 6-foot-3, 232-pound left-handed passer, joins a crowded Eagles quarterback room that already includes Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and veteran Andy Dalton. "It's a surreal moment," Payton said. "I'm just at a loss of words. It's so special, and I'm so thankful for all the people that have gotten me here. This is as much for all the people that got me here as it is for the little boy with the dream." As seen in a trending post on r/nfl, Payton's selection has received considerable attention, with over 300 upvotes and numerous comments discussing his potential.
During his time at North Dakota State, Payton started just 13 games but made a substantial impact. He led the Bison to a Missouri Valley Football Conference championship with a 12-1 record, throwing for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. In addition to his passing prowess, he showcased his running ability, accumulating 777 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him an all-Valley selection and a third-place finish in the Walter Payton Award balloting, which honors the top offensive player in the FCS.
Payton's road to the NFL has been marked by resilience. After suffering a broken thumb in a playoff loss to Illinois State, he returned just in time for the Senior Bowl, where he was named one of the game's MVPs. His performance during the week helped solidify his status as a draft prospect. At the NFL Combine, he impressed scouts with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and a vertical jump of 40 inches, demonstrating his athleticism and potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
Payton's selection continues a trend for the Eagles, who have a history of drafting quarterbacks in the later rounds. General Manager Howie Roseman has previously picked players like Mike Kafka, Matt Barkley, and Clayton Thorson in similar slots, viewing late-round quarterbacks as developmental projects. Payton’s drafting also reflects the Eagles’ strategy of ensuring depth at the quarterback position, especially as Tanner McKee enters the final year of his rookie contract.
In the greater scope of college football, North Dakota State has become a notable breeding ground for NFL talent, particularly at the quarterback position. With five quarterbacks drafted in the last decade, including Wentz, Stick, and Lance, the Bison have established themselves as a powerhouse in the FCS. Payton’s selection ties NDSU with Alabama and Ohio State for the most quarterbacks drafted over the past ten years, underscoring the program's success.
Payton’s style of play has drawn comparisons to other dual-threat quarterbacks, particularly Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. noted that Payton could be utilized in a similar role, leveraging his athleticism to create mismatches on the field. This versatility could be particularly beneficial as the Eagles look to optimize their offensive strategies under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who aims to revamp the team's passing game.
As the Eagles move forward with their roster, Payton's arrival adds another layer to an already competitive quarterback room. With Hurts as the established starter and Dalton providing veteran experience, Payton will likely begin his career as a developmental player. The team may explore packaged plays that take advantage of his rushing ability, allowing him to contribute even as he develops his passing skills.
The Eagles still have two remaining picks in the 2026 draft, including No. 197 in the sixth round and No. 244 in the seventh round. These selections will help round out their roster as they seek to build a championship-caliber team. The decision to draft Payton, coupled with their other picks, indicates a commitment to enhancing the offensive lineup, especially in light of the recent trade of A.J. Brown.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will need to make strategic decisions about their quarterback depth. With McKee potentially on the trading block and Dalton's future uncertain, Payton’s role could evolve quickly depending on how the preseason plays out. "They're getting an ultimate competitor, a guy that's going to come in and learn and grow," Payton added, expressing his eagerness to embrace the opportunity. The Eagles' training camp will be a key period for Payton as he seeks to secure his place on the team.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not be independently verified.