Eagles Film Review: Cole Payton, the new Taysom Hill?

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton (QB15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is done, it’s time for some film rooms on the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie class. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be publishing individual film breakdowns on the Eagles’ 2026 draft class here at Bleeding Green Nation.

My pre-draft rankings and position previews are still up if you want to cross-reference. A quick note on the film: I can’t share All-22 footage here without risking content strikes, so I’ll use clips from other accounts below. However, I’ll have full All-22 breakdowns available on my Patreon , which you can check out and support if you want to see full games of All-22.

Let’s go! PREVIOUSLY IN THIS SERIES: Makai Lemon | Eli Stowers | Markel Bell Cole Payton My immediate reaction to this pick was a bit of annoyance, as it felt as if the Eagles drafted Cole Payton at a point in the draft when quarterback was the last thing most of us had on our minds. However, once the immediate annoyance had passed, it was clear that this was not a pick the Eagles made because they needed a QB.

I think they looked at Payton’s athletic profile, thought about what they could eventually do with him, and decided the upside was worth a fifth-round flier. I think I probably agree after watching him some more. The Taysom Hill comparison is going to come up every time Payton’s name is mentioned, and I do get it.