The NFL world has heaped praise on North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton after his impressive performance at the Scouting Combine on Saturday. He is one of many athletes who have made a name for themselves in front of scouts at the combine.
Cole Payton Earns Praise From NFL Community
Payton offers a rare blend of arm strength and size, and he finally stepped into a full-time starting role during his senior year at North Dakota State.
He entered the college ranks as one of Nebraska’s most decorated high school quarterbacks, and his senior campaign at Omaha Westside earned him Nebraska Gatorade State Player of the Year honors after totaling 2,742 yards and 39 touchdowns in a perfect 12-0 run. He was twice named to the all-state first team.
The NDSU quarterback earned plenty of praise for his performance at the Scouting Combine. Football analyst Alfredo Brown shared his thoughts on X, saying, “4.56 for Cole Payton is awesome. Great runner. Extremely accurate. Strong arm. Makes reads from the pocket. Throws well on the run Just lacks the starts and he’s coming from FCS ball.”
4.56 for Cole Payton is awesome.
– Great runner
– Extremely accurate
– Strong arm
– Makes reads from the pocket
– Throws well on the runJust lacks the starts and he’s coming from FCS ball.
pic.twitter.com/8iqBim0p7h— Alfredo Brown (@AlfredoABrown) February 28, 2026
The statement reflected growing optimism about Payton’s play as a quarterback.
CBS Sports’ Mike Renner also raved about the NDSU athlete on social media, responding to a post from ESPN’s Jordan Reid: “Cole Payton was the most impressive QB I heard at the podium and in interviews yesterday. We’ll see how he throws, but he could make a real run for QB3.”
Cole Payton was the most impressive QB I heard at the podium and in interviews yesterday. We’ll see how he throws, but he could make a real run for QB3 https://t.co/8VFdMLxzzu
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) February 28, 2026
Analyst Zach McKinnell didn’t mince words either, saying, “No surprise here but Cole Payton is going to turn some heads in Indianapolis.”
This simple statement alone shows how Payton’s abilities has caught the attention of the NFL community. In a draft process where perception is key, every drill, every result matters, and the quarterback delivered.
No surprise here but Cole Payton is going to turn some heads in Indianapolis 📈📈 https://t.co/9nuKsp8dQn
— Zach McKinnell (@zachmckinnell) February 28, 2026
NFL writer Marcus Johnson tweeted, “As a Cole Payton Truther. He’s having a great day.”
As a Cole Payton Truther. He’s having a great day.
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) March 1, 2026
Payton is expected to be one of the top 10 quarterbacks drafted into the NFL.
According to the PFSN Big Board, Payton is currently ranked ninth overall among quarterbacks. He is listed at 6-3 and 232 pounds.Thanks to his outing at the combine, the NDSU star has put the NFL world on notice.
