Cole Payton is a 6’3, 232-pound quarterback from North Dakota State University. He was a two-star prospect coming out of Westside High School. In 2020 – 2021, he was a Class A State champion and Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year. As a three-year starter, he was 1st Team All-State twice and voted a captain his senior year. He finished his high school career with 31 wins, 5,338 passing yards, 65 passing touchdowns, 2,122 rushing yards, and 37 rushing touchdowns. After he redshirted in 2021, he served as North Dakota State’s 2nd string quarterback for multiple seasons. Many players in today’s college football landscape would’ve explored the transfer portal had they been in Cole’s situation. But I give Cole a lot of credit for battling through adversity and sticking it out with the team he committed to. In 2025, he earned the starting job as a red-shirt senior and led the Bison to a 12-1 record. He was named the FCS Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and rushing for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Cole has good size, acceleration, and speed at quarterback. He has the height to see over the line and a frame of over 230 pounds. His arm length is average at 31 ⅝ inches, but his hand size is ideal at 10 ¼ inches. He ran a 4.56 forty-yard dash, 1.57 ten-yard split, and 4.36 twenty-yard shuttle at the NFL Combine. His 47-yard touchdown run against South Dakota State in 2025 is a good example of him getting out in space and accelerating past the second level. Despite his injury history (torn labrum in 2024 and broken finger in 2025), Cole isn’t afraid of taking punishment. He uses that frame to compete until his body gives out.
Cole is statistically one of the most accurate quarterbacks in FCS history. He set single season records for pass efficiency (193.8), completion percentage (.719), yards per attempt (12.1), total yards per game (268.9), and yards per play (9.41). When he is decisive and in rhythm, his accuracy goes up tremendously. Once he makes plays, his energy and confidence in the team skyrockets. However, his mechanics can be all over the place. His base can get too wide after his drop. This causes a stiff hip rotation, stationary back half, and an over exertion of his upper body. His release point can also be too low (by his waist), which can affect the velocity of his deep balls. When he threw slot fades against Illinois State in the 2nd round of the FCS Playoffs, the ball didn’t have enough arc for the receiver to make a play. With the proper mechanics and touch, Cole can further enhance his accuracy past the short and intermediate game.
While Cole doesn’t have a big arm, he does have the arm strength to make sideline throws (outs, corners, hitches, sluggos, comebacks). His arm talent can be on full display when he’s throwing on the move, like he did against Youngstown State in 2025. He can scramble, absorb the hit, and still throw a catchable ball. North Dakota State runs a more pro style offense. Part of their bread and butter offensively was putting Cole under center. He could roll out via play action and make plays on the perimeter.
When Cole is passing in the gun, his mental processing can slow down. He prefers to get the ball to his primary receiver or exploit the middle of the field. When his primary receiver, Bryce Lance, was covered, he didn’t quickly move off of his read to scan the field. While he is capable of going through progressions and finding his check-down, he tends to hold the ball too long. He needs to improve his anticipation, especially in tight windows. As a runner in the gun, Cole can extend plays with his legs or have designed quarterback runs called for him, such as QB Power. His mobility and maneuverability in the pocket can be limited by inside penetration. When he goes against pressure, he can take unnecessary sacks and turn the ball over. For Cole to improve his mental clock, he needs more reps. Despite his dual-threat potential, he is raw with only 13 collegiate starts under his belt.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit
Cole needs to go to a pro-style offense that tailors to his skill set, one that allows the quarterback to use his legs (boots, zone reads, QB Power, QB Counter). I think the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Chicago Bears would be the best fits for Cole. Each has a coaching staff that can develop mechanics and utilize the quarterback run game.
Player Comparison: Colin Kaepernick
Cole and Colin have similar traits. They also rely on their upper body to throw the ball.
Projection: Backup
While Cole has a place in the NFL, I don’t see him as an NFL starter in three years.
Grade and Round Projection: 3.7, Late Day 2-Early Day 3 Pick
I gave Cole a 3.7 grade with a curve (3.66 initial), projecting him as a late day 2 or early day 3 selection in the NFL Draft.
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