Overview
- Philadelphia selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton at No. 178 overall on Saturday in the fifth round.
- Head coach Nick Sirianni praised Payton’s 72% accuracy last season and 4.56-second 40-yard dash, and he said the staff will gauge any rookie-year role after minicamp and acclimation.
- General manager Howie Roseman said Payton was the highest player on their board and that the team is open to carrying four quarterbacks.
- With Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton already in the room, early snaps in 2026 are uncertain, though some analysts see short-yardage and goal-line packages as a potential on-ramp.
- Evaluators are split on his long-term position, with one scout saying he was not sure Payton is a true quarterback, and the rookie said he aims to learn under Hurts and the rest of the group.