Philadelphia Eagles Draft Dual-Threat QB Cole Payton in Fifth Round, Expanding a Crowded Quarterback Room

On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton at No. 178 overall in the fifth round. The pick joins a quarterback group already featuring Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts, veteran Andy Dalton (acquired via trade), and 2023 sixth-rounder Tanner McKee. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the depth chart but said the team will evaluate Payton’s fit during rookie minicamp and the upcoming season.

HeavyWhy Eagles made controversial Cole Payton draft decision after Jalen Hurts reportsSports Illustrated

Philadelphia has repeatedly drafted QBs: Jalen Hurts (2020, 2nd round), Tanner McKee (2023, 6th round), Kyle McCord (2022, 6th round, later waived), and now Payton. General Manager Howie Roseman emphasized that “you can never have too much talent at the game’s most important position,” and reiterated the organization’s willingness to keep four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster if needed.

Sports Illustrated

Payton threw for 16 touchdowns and four interceptions as a starter, completing 72 % of his passes. He also recorded 31 rushing touchdowns in his collegiate career. Physically, he measures 6-foot-3, 225 lb, runs a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, and possesses a 40-inch vertical. His speed exceeds that of several NFL starters, including a faster 40-yard time than Josh Allen’s 4.74 seconds. Payton’s size and explosiveness have drawn comparisons to a left-handed Taysom Hill.

Philly Voice

Sirianni praised Payton’s athleticism, decision-making, and accuracy, noting the “wow” plays where Payton “jumped over somebody” and labeling him “the best athlete on the field.” He added that the coaching staff will acclimate Payton at rookie minicamp and then “see where we go from there.” Roseman explained the selection as a “best player available” move, stating Payton “was the highest guy on the board” and confirming the organization’s openness to carrying four quarterbacks.

Sports Illustrated

An NFL personnel executive who scouted Payton expressed doubt, saying, “Not sure he’s a QB.” Some analysts suggest his skill set may translate better to a tight-end or a hybrid “gadget” role akin to Taysom Hill, rather than a traditional backup quarterback. Payton’s limited experience—13 college starts and a pro-style offense at North Dakota State—adds uncertainty to his immediate NFL readiness.

Philly Voice

Sources differ on Payton’s projected role. While the Eagles’ leadership highlights his quarterback potential, scouting commentary questions his positional fit, and no consensus exists on whether he will serve as a conventional backup, a special-teams weapon, or be shifted to another position. The team’s development timeline and the eventual composition of the 2027 quarterback room remain unclear.

Sports Illustrated

Retaining Payton aligns with Philadelphia’s “quarterback factory” model, providing depth, trade flexibility, and a developmental project for a staff that includes offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier. If Payton progresses, the Eagles could maintain a deep talent pool without relying on external acquisitions.

Sports Illustrated

Payton will attend rookie minicamp next weekend, learn the playbook, and compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Eagles may consider trading Tanner McKee before the season, further shaping the quarterback hierarchy.

Sports Illustrated

• “Really, really athletic, really good with the ball in his hands in the quarterback run game, made great decisions with the football, accurate passer — 72 percent last year as a starter, and you can’t be that unless you’re making good, accurate throws and going the right place with the ball,” — Nick Sirianni, Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles

NBC Sports

• “There are some ‘Wow’ plays on his tape that are really impressive. I think I charted four times he jumped over somebody. I wrote down, ‘He’s the best athlete on the field.’” — Nick Sirianni, Head Coach

NBC Sports

• “He was the highest guy on the board.” — Howie Roseman, General Manager, Philadelphia Eagles

Sports Illustrated

• “It was about staying true to the process that we were going into and taking the best player available at an important position. We're open to carrying four quarterbacks, for sure.” — Howie Roseman, General Manager

Philly Voice

• “Not sure he's a QB,” — Unnamed NFL personnel executive (scouting report)

Philly Voice

• “We feel really good about the three quarterbacks we have here. We plan to have them here. We're excited to have all those three guys here. This has nothing to do with them,” — Howie Roseman, General Manager

Philly Voice