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Eagles Draft NDSU QB Cole Payton, 5th Round

4/28/2026

Summary

Eagles Draft Payton

Eagles drafted quarterback Cole Payton at No. 178 in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Payton posted 16 passing touchdowns, four interceptions, a 72 percent completion rate and 31 rushing touchdowns at North Dakota State.
The quarterback room now lists starter Jalen Hurts, backups Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, and rookie Payton, with McKee possibly traded before the 2026 season.

Summary

Eagles QB Factory

Eagles drafted quarterbacks in three of the past four drafts and four of the past seven, a “quarterback factory”.
2025 sixth-round pick Kyle McCord was waived after a shaky preseason and joined the Packers’ practice squad.
The team’s repurposed players Ben VanSumeren and Avery Williams both suffered season-ending injuries after conversion.
GM Howie Roseman says the organization stockpiles talent at key positions when value is right, a long-term depth strategy.

History

Historical Context

After the Patriots selected Tom Brady with the 199th pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, new head coach Bill Belichick led the team to six Super Bowl titles between 2001 and 2019. That low-round success reshaped league drafting strategies, prompting clubs to value depth and late-round talent across the league in subsequent years.

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Eagles Draft Payton

Eagles drafted quarterback Cole Payton at No. 178 in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Payton posted 16 passing touchdowns, four interceptions, a 72 percent completion rate and 31 rushing touchdowns at North Dakota State.
The quarterback room now lists starter Jalen Hurts, backups Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, and rookie Payton, with McKee possibly traded before the 2026 season.

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