Cole Payton
Philadelphia EaglesScouting Report
2026 draft class
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 Network ranked him 125th overall and QB5 with a Round 2 grade comparing him to Carson Wentz.
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
Concerns
- 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
College Production
2025 (13 games): 72% comp 2719 pass yds 16 TD 4 INT 771 rush yds 11 rush TD
Honors
NDSU QB factory (Wentz Lance Stick Miller). Senior Bowl invitee (2026)