FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cole Payton
Cole Payton (QB – North Dakota State)
6-foot-3 | 233 Pounds
Background
Cole Payton is a left-handed quarterback who redshirted after three appearances in 2021, then rotated in over the next three seasons, rushing more often than throwing. His best season took place in 2023, in which he posted 84-615-13 (7.3) on the ground and added 289 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Payton became North Dakota State’s starting quarterback in 2025, leading the team to a 12-1 record and throwing for 2,719 yards (72% completion rate, 12.1 yards per attempt), 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, with 136-777-13 (5.7) on the ground.
Positives
Big, well-built quarterback who enjoyed a lot of success this past season, playing in an offense that had traditional shotgun spread looks with a lot of package plays and designed runs built in. Sets up with a solid base, avoiding a heel click at the end of his drops. Gets the ball out quickly in the short game. Has a pretty quick throwing motion and a high release point.
Payton does a good job of transferring his weight into throws and has solid arm strength to drive the ball outside of the numbers or rifle passes into windows over the middle of the field. Shows good ball placement, especially down the field. Flashes the ability to hit checkdowns with touch.
Willing to stand in the pocket and take a hit to make a throw. Dynamic runner who has solid speed for the position and shows very good power and balance to shake off contact, with above-average elusiveness. Gets carries on draws and run-pass options, especially in short-yardage situations and near the goal line.
Payton can escape from pressure and extend the play, shrugging off would-be sacks, running away from backside pursuers and flashing the ability to climb up in the pocket against outside pressure. Punishes defenses when they leave the middle of the field open.
Negatives
Only one year of starting experience at the FCS level. Needs more experience working through progressions, as the vast majority of his throws are first reads. Has “one and run” tendencies, even from clean pockets, trusting his legs more than his ability to work through progressions. Processing/recognition is still raw.
Payton doesn’t always keep his eyes downfield when he starts moving in the pocket. Generally, an accurate quarterback, but placement can suffer when he throws without resetting his feet. Leans a little bit heavily on his fastball. At times, deep balls don’t have quite as much arc on them as you’d like. Sustained a season-ending injury in 2024, which will require further investigation.
Summary
Payton is a big, strong quarterback with solid fundamentals and impressive arm strength. A genuine dual-threat who punishes defenses as a scrambler and on designed runs. His upside should be of interest to pro teams, even with just one season of FCS starting experience under his belt.
Besides the jump in level of competition, Payton’s biggest challenge will be working through progressions, having relied heavily on first reads in school and tending to run when his primary receiver wasn’t open. From a tools-based perspective, though, there’s a lot to like, and he could probably contribute in a tailored run-based package early on.
Projection: Round 5
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