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Cole Payton 2026 NFL Draft Profile | QB from North Dakota State
Scouting Report
Cole Payton is a tough strong athletic dual-threat quarterback from North Dakota State who carries phenomenal developmental building blocks despite limited starting experience. The lefty signal-caller waited behind Trey Lance and Cam Miller before finally becoming the full-time starter in 2025 completing 72 percent of his passes for 2719 yards with 16 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions while adding 771 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground across 13 games. At 6-3 and 233 pounds Payton has an exceptional frame for a quarterback and possesses high-end arm talent with the ability to generate elite velocity and drive the football to all areas of the field. He flashes rare high-level ball placement on downfield throws especially outside the numbers and when fitting the ball into tight windows over the middle. His compact quick throwing motion is highly repeatable allowing him to generate velocity consistently. Payton extends plays effectively when pockets collapse maintaining vision downfield and delivering accurate on-time throws while on the move. He throws with anticipation creating separation for receivers through ball placement and shows a good understanding of reading defenders and looking them off with his eyes. As a runner he is a legitimate dual-threat with true speed at the position above-average acceleration and the strength to fight for extra yardage. However with only 321 career dropbacks Payton is one of the more inexperienced quarterback prospects in the class and 2025 marked his first season as a full-time starter. His mechanics display an awkward arm-dominant throwing motion with inconsistent lower-body involvement leading to erratic footwork at release. He has a tendency to stare down targets leading to interceptions on comeback and quick throws over the middle. He plays hero ball at times forcing throws into bad windows taking unnecessary sacks or trying to run with no space. Questions about FCS competition level will persist. The Draft Networ
Strengths
Exceptional frame at 6-3 233 with elite arm talent and velocity
Tight compact quick throwing motion that is highly repeatable
Flashes rare high-level ball placement on downfield throws and tight windows
Legitimate dual-threat with true speed acceleration and power as a runner
Extends plays maintaining vision downfield delivering throws on the move
Throws with anticipation creating separation through ball placement
Good pocket awareness stepping up moving laterally and sensing pressure
Completed 72 percent of passes showing accuracy and efficiency
Weaknesses
Limited starting experience with only 321 career dropbacks entering the NFL
Awkward arm-dominant throwing motion with inconsistent lower-body mechanics
Stares down targets leading to interceptions on comeback and quick throws
Plays hero ball forcing throws taking unnecessary sacks not throwing ball away
FCS competition level raising questions about transition to NFL defenses
Double hitches on short throws paired with stare-downs creating DL pass breakups
Exaggerated release point on deep balls occasionally causing fumbles
Will need developmental time given inexperience as a passer