There it is. A quarterback was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the 178th overall pick of the NFL Draft, the Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton. He becomes the second quarterback from North Dakota State in the last 10 years to be selected by the Eagles, with Carson Wentz being the second overall pick in 2016.
Payton threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns to four interceptions while adding another 777 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He was a second-team All-MVFC selection last season and won a national title with the Bison twice.
Eagles picked Cole Payton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft
Payton is no doubt being brought in to fix the mistake of the Kyle McCord selection in 2025. He will no doubt go into the season as either the second- or third-string quarterback for the Eagles.
The real question is what happens with Tanner McKee. He has been the subject of much trade talk, with many believing that it's going to happen. If it doesn't, McKee will finish the season and become a free agent.
There's also the Andy Dalton effect, as he's in the quarterback room as the veteran of the group. Dalton will be on the roster in some capacity as he could end up being the third quarterback if McKee stays or the second string if McKee gets traded.
Payton has the rushing ability that makes him a dangerous weapon on the offense. He can throw the ball, too, but the mechanics of his throwing motion need to be worked on, which is why playing backup to Jalen Hurts makes sense.
Read more: Jonathan Greenard said what Eagles fans have known for two years with Vic Fangio
A new quarterback joins Philadelphia to create some more storylines than they had entering the draft.
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