Apr 25, 2026, 04:06 PM ETOpen Extended Reactions
The Philadelphia Eagles added to their quarterback room during Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday, selecting North Dakota State’s Cole Payton with pick No. 178.
Payton joins starter Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, which also currently has veteran Andy Dalton and 2023 sixth-round pick Tanner McKee on the roster.
The 6-foot-3, 233-pounds Payton threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions last season, his first as North Dakota State's full-time starter. The left-hander also rushed for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He led the Bison to an undefeated record (12-0) in the regular season and the No. 1 seed in the FCS playoffs, where they were upset by Illinois State 29-28 in the second round.
He excelled as a runner in his college career, averaging 6.7 yards per rush and rushing for 31 touchdowns.
In all, he threw for 3,190 yards with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions and rushed for 1,919 yards in 52 games during his college career.
