"Cole Payton"
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www.newsnow.co.ukCole Payton was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft, selected in the sixth round with the 178th overall pick. He joins a QB room headlined by Jalen Hurts and veteran backup options, and is viewed as a development prospect with upside.[1][2]
Latest developments and context:
- His college profile: North Dakota State dual-threat QB with a standout 2025 season (2,719 passing yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs, 777 rushing yards) and several school records, signaling strong athletic upside for NFL schemes that value mobility at the position.[2][1]
- Team fit and outlook: The Eagles’ pick emphasizes potential development behind Hurts; there’s talk in media circles about long-term potential and possible moves for other QBs on the roster, though Payton’s immediate role is as a developmental prospect in a crowded quarterback group.[3][1][2]
If you’d like, I can pull a few more reputable outlets for a quick comparison of Payton’s draft profile and scouting consensus, or summarize how similar ND State QBs fared in the NFL to set expectations.