Scouting report
Payton was a former two-star recruit in the 2021 class from Omaha, Nebraska, who won the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year award as a senior in 2020. He committed to North Dakota State, where he served as a backup quarterback and situational rusher until his senior season, when he became the full-time starter.
At 6-foot-4 and weighing about 230 to 235 pounds, he has good size for the competition. He is also an eligible professional athlete, not only because of his position, but also because of his size. His rushing ability and experience give him a good floor and ceiling as an RPO and QB power-type backfield player.
As a passer, his numbers and efficiency numbers are high, but you have to take into account how easy his situation was in 2025 on a very talented NDSU team that was generally more talented than the competition. He has a lot of time to throw, which stems from his rushing style, but also because he isn’t the quickest to read defenses before and after the snap. That has resulted in a high sack rate despite his athleticism.
He has overall good arm talent that is enough for the NFL. His throwing motion has a bit of a shot put-like finish, but his footwork and base are consistent and give him a strong drive on his passes.
Player characteristics
- Decision making and ball security: 5/10
- Balance and Out of Structure IQ: 6/10
- Accuracy from a clean pocket: 6/10
- Accuracy and touch outside the structure: 6/10
- Speed: 6/10
- Distance: 7/10
- Progressions: 2/10
- Bag Management: 2/10
- Field mobility: 8/10
- Mechanics: 7/10
Strengths
#PFF #NFL #Draft #Guide #Cole #Payton #NFL #projection #advanced #stats #scouting #report