Eagles take developmental QB prospect in NFL draft: Cole Payton profile
The Eagles added to their crowded quarterback room by drafting dual-threat QB prospect Cole Payton from North Dakota State in the 5th round.
The Philadelphia Eagles went back to the North Dakota State well for a quarterback 10 years after they took Carson Wentz No. 2 overall in 2016. With the 38th pick of the fifth round (No.
178 overall), the Eagles drafted Cole Payton. The southpaw – Philadelphia loves a lefty like Rocky Balboa – signal-caller completed 72 percent of his passes during his one season as a starter. He threw 16 touchdowns (four interceptions) and averaged 5.
7 yards per carry on 136 attempts (29 carries of more than 10 yards) to go with 13 rushing touchdowns. The Bison went 12-1 and Payton was a finalist for the Walter Payton award, given to the top player in FCS. Payton, 6-3 and 230 pounds, was the sixth quarterback taken of the draft.
But ESPN Mel Kiper Jr. predicted he won’t merely be a backup quarterback for Philadelphia. “This kid can be Taysom Hill,” said Kiper, who guessed the Eagles will create a package of plays specifically for Payton.