Colts Host NDSU Quarterback Cole Payton on Official Pre‑Draft Visit

Overview

• The Colts hosted North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton on an official pre-draft visit, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
• This was at least Payton’s second reported team visit, following a trip to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers last month.
• Payton broke out in 2025 as NDSU’s full-time starter, completing about 71–72% of his throws with 16 touchdowns and leading the FCS in yards per attempt, and he posted an elite 9.87 Relative Athletic Score.
• Scouting reports praise his running ability and touch but flag shaky mechanics and limited drive velocity, with NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projecting him as a QB3 who needs time to develop.
• Indianapolis is surveying lower-cost quarterback options as Daniel Jones works back from a torn Achilles and with Anthony Richardson expected to move on, and the team has also brought in LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier for a visit.