The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton with the No. 178 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to Bleacher Report. Payton, a dual-threat quarterback with strong accuracy and experience in NFL/pro-style concepts, appeared in 52 games for the Bison as both a quarterback and running back. He is considered a developmental prospect with a high ceiling if nurtured properly.

Scouting Report and On-Field Attributes

Payton plays with a calm and ready demeanor inside the pocket, according to Bleacher Report; he shows strong football IQ for a first-year starter and identifies potential blitzing defenders. His strong arm and accurate passing are highlighted as key strengths, with a catchable ball and good placement; he also adds value as a runner, either on scrambles or designed runs, due to his power and athleticism.

Despite his strengths. Payton has areas for improvement — he plays with a low hand carriage inside the pocket, making him susceptible to being strip-sacked, according to Bleacher Report. His development will depend on refining his mechanics and adjusting his pocket presence.

Broader NFL Draft Context

While Payton was selected in the late rounds, the 2026 NFL draft has seen a mix of players who were projected higher but fell due to injury concerns or inconsistent play, according to Sporting News. Players like Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy. Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt. And LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier were all available on Day 3, surprising many analysts. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted at least four quarterbacks were expected to be picked on Day 3, including LSU’s Nussmeier, who had previously fallen due to a spinal cyst.

According to Footballr.at, the 2026 quarterback class includes several developmental prospects with varied profiles. Payton is considered one of the more efficient and physical options. Taylen Green from Arkansas, often compared to Colin Kaepernick, is another name to watch. Green is a tall, fast athlete with a projectable arm and pro-style exposure, but his college production remains in question.

Quarterback Market and Draft Strategy

As noted by Sport.de, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not found a solution to their quarterback dilemma, continuing to rely on the hope that Aaron Rodgers will return. The team has accumulated many draft picks but remains without a clear path to a new starter. This reflects a broader NFL trend where fewer high-quality quarterback prospects are emerging. While Payton is not an immediate starter, he represents the kind of developmental talent teams are seeking to build depth and long-term stability.

In the 2026 draft, the Eagles’ selection of Payton fits a pattern of picking flexible, projectable talents with upside. His physical tools and experience in a pro-style offense position him as a viable backup with the potential to start if given the right environment and development plan. According to Footballr.at, the 2026 quarterback class is defined more by its variety of developmental profiles than by clear-cut starters.