North Dakota State University’s Cole Payton is one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in this year’s draft. In a QB draft class without a consensus ranking, after the top two, Payton could make a name for himself with a very intriguing 2025 season.
Cole Payton’s Scouting Report and NFL Draft Projection
Here is Payton’s scouting report from PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator:
“Cole Payton redshirted his first year at NDSU, and from 2022 through 2024, he was the backup to Cam Miller. He was utilized most often as a designed runner, but finally got his shot as a full-time starter in 2025.
“In his last season of eligibility, Payton passed for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions on over 70% completion, while also running for 717 yards and 13 additional TDs. Additionally, he ended the year with the second-highest PFSN QB Impact score in the FCS (89.7).
“The crux of Payton’s appeal as a prospect is his physical talent. At 6’3”, 233 pounds, he’s a well-built prototype with elite explosive athleticism, bristling long speed, and a rocket arm that can generate high-end velocity from multiple launch points and angles.
“But as a one-year starter, he’s sorely lacking in-game reps, and his processing runs on the slow side as a result.
“Payton shouldn’t be thrown into the fire right away as a field general, and is a developmental QB first, who could be utilized in certain Taysom Hill-esque packages early on. If he enters the right situation and has time to acclimate before getting needed reps, starting upside is present.”
PFSN’s most recent seven-round NFL mock draft has Payton getting taken by the New England Patriots at pick 189 in Round 6. Payton’s athleticism would make him a great backup quarterback, and he has many very good athletic traits himself.
With the Patriots in win-now mode after just making the Super Bowl, the backup position is vital. So Payton could be an option who plays similarly to Maye and can do what he does if something were to happen to Maye.
Payton’s NFL Combine Results:
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.56
- 10-yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical Jump: 40.00″
- Broad Jump: 10’10”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.12
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
- Bench Press:
Note: This section will be updated later once Payton’s NFL Combine Results are available. Quarterback workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana
