Overview
- Reports say Payton held extensive pre-draft meetings with the Eagles, Cardinals and Jets, with separate visits to the Colts and Steelers.
- Todd McShay now labels Payton a near lock for the second or third round, while other outlets still place him on Day 3.
- Scouts flag only 13 collegiate starts and inconsistent, elongated throwing mechanics as the main risks for a developmental pick.
- His stock climbed after strong Senior Bowl and Combine showings, including a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical.
- The 6-foot-3, 230-pound dual-threat threw for 2,719 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2025 and ran for 777 yards and 13 scores, and a selection would make him the fifth NDSU quarterback drafted since 2016.