Cole Payton, drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round, impressed his former coach, Joe Beschorner, with his athleticism and football intelligence. Despite limited playing time at North Dakota State, Payton showcased his skills last season with impressive stats, including 16 touchdowns and a 72% completion rate. Beschorner lauds Payton as a meticulous film-studier and coachable player, fitting the athletic, dual-threat quarterback mold. As he transitions to the NFL, Payton aims to contribute to the Eagles while learning behind established players like Jalen Hurts and Andy Dalton.

By the Numbers
  • Cole Payton carried the ball 136 times for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
  • Payton completed 72% of his passes with 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his sole season as a starter.
State of Play
  • Jalen Hurts is the Eagles' starting quarterback, while Tanner McKee is the current backup.
  • Veteran Andy Dalton is projected to be the third-string QB after joining the team in March.
What's Next

Payton must focus on absorbing knowledge from experienced quarterbacks and find opportunities to contribute in practice to secure a spot on the roster, potentially as a fourth quarterback.

Bottom Line

Payton's meticulous preparation and athletic ability make him a promising addition for the Eagles, but his success will hinge on his adaptability and commitment to learning from the veterans around him.