What happened
The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State QB Cole Payton with the No. 178 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Described as an intriguing Day 3 swing, Payton is a big, athletic lefty with arm talent, proven mobility, and running ability. He had hoped for a Day 2 selection.
Why it matters
The pick bolsters Eagles' QB depth with a high-upside project player for the upcoming 2026 season. NDSU has produced NFL starters, offering long-term potential. It fits Philadelphia's draft strategy of developmental bets after earlier picks like WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers.
What to watch
Monitor Payton's role in Eagles' QB competition during training camp.