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Eagles draft QB Cole Payton No. 178 overall

Payton threw for 2,719 and 16 touchdowns last season while adding 777 yards and 13 scores on the ground.

Apr 25, 2026 at 03:52 PM

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The Eagles added to their quarterback room, drafting Cole Payton No. 178 overall out of North Dakota State.

A five-year player for the Bison, Payton started his final season at North Dakota State. The lefty threw for 2,719 and 16 touchdowns last season while adding 777 yards and 13 scores on the ground.

He was an Honorable Mention All-American and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (FCS Heisman Trophy). He helped lead North Dakota State to a 12-1 record and the top seed in the FCS playoffs.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound Payton joins an Eagles quarterback group of Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and Andy Dalton.

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