Eagles Draft Cole Payton To Bolster Quarterback Depth
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PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles selected North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton with the 178th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday and completed five total selections while executing several mid-round trades during the weekend. General manager Howie Roseman also confirmed earlier transactions that sent picks to Minnesota and Dallas and added receiver Makai Lemon. The selection adds a dual-threat quarterback behind starter Jalen Hurts, backup Tanner McKee and veteran Andy Dalton, creating additional developmental depth and competition in the quarterback room. Teams and officials described the picks as board-driven; Roseman cited draft positioning in post-draft remarks Tuesday, and coaches outlined plans to evaluate Payton and other late-round prospects in offseason programs.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Early draft trades: Eagles send mid-round picks to Minnesota and Dallas.
- Friday: Eagles select Markell Bell at No. 68 in the draft.
- Saturday morning: Eagles hold final-day scouting 'passion meeting' amid limited picks.
- Saturday: Philadelphia selects Cole Payton at No. 178 and other late-round prospects.
- Tuesday: Howie Roseman discusses board-driven selections and roster-development plans.
Why This Matters to You
The Eagles' draft strategy affects game outcomes. If you're a fan, this shapes your season. If you're in a fantasy league, it could impact your picks. Keep an eye on Cole Payton's performance in the offseason programs.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles are banking on fresh talent to strengthen their quarterback depth. They're making calculated moves, not just drafting big names. Remember, it's not just about the star players, but the whole team's strength. Worth forwarding if you know a die-hard Eagles fan.
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The Philadelphia Eagles organization benefited by adding developmental quarterback depth, acquiring offensive talent through trades, and preserving veteran insurance that supports roster continuity and long-term planning.
Other teams that traded up or spent mid-round capital (Minnesota, Dallas) lost draft flexibility, while some prospects waiting on the board were passed over during the Eagles' picks and deals.
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