Cole Payton Future Eagles Starter? Some NFL Execs Wouldn’t Be Surprised

North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton didn’t get much attention during the pre-draft process and was quickly overshadowed by higher-profile second tier prospects like Carson Beck, who played in the national title game, or Ty Simpson, who dominated lowbrow television discourse on the topic.

However, Payton’s raw athleticism and overall quarterback traits had many trust evaluators excited about him in the pro game, and, with him ending up with one of the premier franchises in the NFL, the odds of him meeting that potential only grows. 

The Eagles grabbed Payton in the fifth round, despite already having a backup quarterback who other organizations see as having starting potential in Tanner McKee, which definitely caused a little stir in the scouting community. 

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is considered as astute as they come, and not one to throw away picks.

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“You know I believe in that kid,” said one longtime personnel executive. 

“That was my No. 2 quarterback in the draft. And Howie takes him? Come on. He sees it too. Cole Payton, if you bring him along the right way, can start in this league.

“All the stuff you hear about (Eagles starter Jalen) Hurts, all the drama and where he is in his contract. You can call me crazy, but I think this kid could take over from him in a few years. They did this stuff before with (Kevin) Kolb, when they still had (Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan) McNabb. I know how Howie thinks. This kid had a chance.”

Another longtime personnel executive said: “That’s such a great spot for him to land. He’s better off there in the fifth-round then Arizona in the third, really. I love the fit. I think he can play in the league, but he’s still really raw.”

The Eagles have dealt with drama and controversy on offense on and off for years, top receiver AJ Brown is almost certain to be dealt next month when his contracts makes it easier to absorb the cap hit and Hurts is at a point in his contract where there is not future guaranteed money beyond this season and his future has been a topic of discussion around the league despite recently winning a Super Bowl. 

It’s hard to see any youngster displacing Hurts even if he were to leave, the Eagles would scream out for a proven, veteran quarterback, but they take developing passers very seriously.