ESPN analyst sees a Taysom Hill-style role for rookie QB Cole Payton

The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t draft Cole Payton to sit quietly. They may have drafted him as a project or a potential backup option, but he certainly isn't in town for no reason. Following the 2026 NFL Draft and his fifth-round selection , theories are all over the place, including a few suggesting he was added to move.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. offered a glimpse into what Payton’s early role could look like , and it’s anything but traditional. Might he be more than a developmental quarterback?

Kiper thinks so. He gives the Eagles an 'A' for an outstanding weekend of work , and he gives his thoughts on a possible early role for the young dual-threat QB. "Cole Payton probably won't beat out Tanner McKee or Andy Dalton for QB2 behind Jalen Hurts, but he ran for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

I think Mannion could use him in some packages. Payton runs a 4. 56 at 232 pounds, so I'm envisioning some sort of Taysom Hill role in Philadelphia.