When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles‘ quarterback room, there’s been plenty of talk about the three veterans on the roster, overshadowing the forgotten 2026 rookie, Cole Payton.
Fortunately, Payton hasn’t been totally under the radar with his coaches. Ahead of the Eagles’ August 8 practice session, the first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion was asked about the first-year passer. Payton landed some praise from his coordinator.
Forgotten Eagles QB Is Quietly Earning Praise From Coaches
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Cole Payton of the North Dakota State Bison participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“Eagles OC Sean Mannion said he’s ‘very happy’ with Cole Payton’s development,” NJ.com’s Cayden Steele reported on Saturday.
“He said there have been some growing pains, but he is sharp, and day by day he has gotten better.”
The 23-year-old fifth-round pick has an uphill battle to crack the Eagles’ roster. Typically, the Eagles would carry three QBs on the final roster. Jalen Hurts is the sure starter, while Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton are famously battling for No. 2.
Over the past two seasons, McKee has garnered a lot of hype around his name. Many believed that he could be one of the NFL’s top backup quarterbacks, but his summer has challenged that theory.
The Eagles traded for the veteran Andy Dalton, and so far, Dalton is reportedly winning the battle to become Hurts’ primary backup. No matter where that battle goes this season, the experience of both quarterbacks gives them the upper hand on Payton.
Cole Payton’s Path To The NFL
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Cole Payton of the North Dakota State Bison throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The rookie hails from North Dakota State. He spent the past five years there and didn’t become a full-time starter until the 2025 NCAA season.
In 13 games, Payton completed 72.0% of his passes. He totaled 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions. On the ground, Payton rushed 136 times for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
GettyFARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – OCTOBER 29: Cole Payton #15 of the North Dakota State Bison runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Illinois State Redbirds in the second half at FARGODOME on October 29, 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Sean Arbaut/Getty Images)
The Eagles selected Payton in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick. As most rookies do, Payton has had some down days this summer. However, most reports from the media and the coaching staff have been positive so far.