The Philadelphia Eagles once again turned to a familiar pipeline, selecting quarterback Cole Payton with the No. 178 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Philadelphia has had success identifying talent from North Dakota State in the past, and Payton represents another developmental prospect with intriguing upside.
Payton brings athleticism, mobility, and a versatile skill set that could fit well within the Eagles’ offensive system. At NDSU, he showed the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, giving him potential value as a multi-dimensional quarterback at the next level.
For the Eagles, this pick is about adding depth and competition to the quarterback room while investing in a player who can develop over time. With the right coaching and system fit, Payton has the tools to grow into a reliable option, while also offering flexibility in how he can be utilized early in his career.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles draft QB Cole Payton from NDSU at pick No. 178