Even if the Philadelphia Eagles have their franchise quarterback in place, general manager Howie Roseman is always on the hunt for quarterbacks in the draft.
Roseman did it again with their fifth-round pick as they selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Eagles' general manager went into what made the decision easy for the franchise to select Payton.
"He was the highest guy on the board," Roseman said via The Athletic's Zach Berman. "We know it's an important position. We feel really good about the three QBs we have here. We plan to have them here. We're excited to have all three guys here. This has nothing to do with them. It was about staying true to the process and taking the best player available at an important position."
Howie Roseman is at least consistent with his draft selections
Last year with North Dakota State, Payton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns to four interceptions, adding 777 rushing yards and 13 additional touchdowns. He was selected as a second-team All-MVFC member.
There are some interesting questions about Payton: whether he will be the successor to Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee, or if Philly has bigger plans for him in the offense. Early talks are that Payton could be used in unique packages that would have him line up in positions other than quarterback.
One thing that should be discussed, though, is what Roseman said. He has always been a believer in selecting the best available player, no matter which positions need to be filled. Payton didn't need to be selected, as they have McKee and Andy Dalton in the quarterback room, but Payton was their best player on the board, so why not go get him?
That strategy has worked wonders for them over the years, like selecting Jalen Carter in 2023 despite already having Jordan Davis and Fletcher Cox at defensive tackle. In 2024, the Eagles picked cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in back-to-back rounds despite Darius Slay being there, and both turned in All-Pro selections last year. How about last season getting Jihaad Campbell when they had Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun there?
Read more: Howie Roseman pulls the curtain back on critical Makai Lemon draft day trade-up
Roseman has a process that he has been following over the years, so for him, it has led to two Super Bowl appearances in four years. Keep sticking to the proven formula.
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