North Dakota State University quarterback Cole Payton is set to showcase his skills at the upcoming Senior Bowl, aiming to elevate his status in the highly competitive 2026 NFL Draft. As the draft landscape shifts, with notable quarterbacks like Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers opting to return to school, Payton’s performance in Mobile could be pivotal for his aspirations of becoming a first-round pick.
Making His Mark
Payton’s journey at NDSU places him in a long line of Bison quarterbacks with aspirations of reaching the NFL, including former top-five picks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance. With a robust physique at 6’2″ and 233 pounds, he combines significant arm talent with impressive athleticism, making him a formidable dual-threat quarterback. His ability to break tackles and his competitive toughness have made him a standout player, particularly evident in his rushing statistics from the previous season, where he recorded 894 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
During the 2025 season, Payton demonstrated his capability to deliver explosive plays, achieving 29 rushes of at least ten yards, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon. As the Senior Bowl approaches, expectations are high for Payton, who is anticipated to clock in under 4.60 seconds in the 40-yard dash, further amplifying his stock.
Challenges Ahead
Despite his impressive physical attributes, Payton faces challenges as he transitions to the NFL. His experience as a one-year starter has left him with fewer than 300 career pass attempts, raising concerns about his readiness to operate at the professional level. Unlike many of his peers, he has not consistently executed an NFL-style offense, which may hinder his development as a pocket passer.
While Payton’s highlight reel showcases his ability to make plays on the run, he often resorts to improvisation, which can lead to unnecessary sacks. As he prepares for the Senior Bowl, he must prove he can adapt his game to meet the demands of the NFL. The competition will be stiff, with fellow quarterbacks such as Sawyer Robertson from Baylor, Taylen Green from Arkansas, and Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt also vying for attention.
Evaluators currently rate Payton as a fringe-top-100 prospect, drawing comparisons to Will Levis, a former second-round pick, in terms of physicality and potential. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl could significantly enhance his draft position, possibly propelling him into the top 50 selections. As one of the players with the most to gain, Payton’s performance will be closely watched by scouts and coaches alike, eager to see if he can solidify his place among the elite quarterbacks in the draft.
As the NFL Draft approaches, every opportunity counts for Payton. His skill set, coupled with the skepticism about his level of competition, underscores the importance of his upcoming performances. The Senior Bowl will be more than just a showcase; it will be a critical test of his readiness for the next level.
