The NFL mock drafts were certainly right about at least one selection for the Philadelphia Eagles: they selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It marked almost exactly 10 years since the Eagles took another North Dakota State quarterback, Carson Wentz, but things are a bit different for Payton. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni spoke about selecting Payton and what he brings to the table with Philly.
"Really, really athletic," Sirianni said via The Athletic's Zach Berman. "Really good with the ball in his hands in the QB run game. Makes great decisions with the football, accurate passer — 72 percent last year as a starter. You can't do that unless you make some good throws and go to the right place with the ball. But there are some 'wow' plays on his tape that are really impressive. I think I charted 4 times where he jumped over somebody or wrote down a bunch of times, 'He's the best athlete on the field.' Big, strong. Really excited about him."
Nick Sirianni praised Cole Payton that has Eagles fans thinking about the future
Last season, in Payton's only season as the starting quarterback, he threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns, with four interceptions, and added another 777 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. His play earned him a second-team All-MVFC selection.
In the days after Payton's selection, everyone has been trying to figure out what his role will be on the team. Many think he could become the successor to Tanner McKee, who has been the subject of trade rumors.
There's also the possibility that Payton might be playing more on offense than some think in his rookie season. New Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion might have some packages for him that would require him to throw, pass, and even catch the ball in the same way that the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill.
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Sirianni talked about Payton's athleticism in his comments, which certainly suggests the Eagles could be using him in some capacity in 2026. Eagles fans might have to watch out, as they could have an elite offensive weapon that they selected on Day 3.
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