2026 NFL draft: Arizona Cardinals met extensively with QB Cole Payton
While there is a lot of attention being paid to Ty Simpson, the Cardinals have also spent a lot of time with another QB.
The Arizona Cardinals are preparing for the 2026 NFL draft and have been evaluating all the quarterbacks. It appears they will draft one at some point. While all the attention has been on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and how the Cardinals seem to be the most likely team to get him, he is not the only quarterback they have done extensive work on.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson , they have also taken a lot of time to look at North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton. The Cardinals were one of several teams with which Payton met extensively. He is a very intriguing prospect because of his size and athleticism.
He is nearly 6-3 and weighs 232 pounds. He has speed and agility, running the 40 in 4. 56 seconds and posting a 40-inch vertical leap.
He also has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He is expected to be a Day 3 pick. Analyst Todd McShay raves about him as a prospect.