Ourlads' Profile:
2026 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about COLE PAYTON:
North Dakota State | Hometown: Omaha, NE | HT: 6023 | WT: 237 | 40 time: 4.56 | Hand: 1000 | Arm: 3300 | Wing: 7812
One-year starter. All-MVFC in 2025 in addition to All-American honors, as he finished third in Walter Payton Award voting. Was a part of the Bison offense for the four seasons prior to being named the starter under center. As he backed up eventual NFL draft pick Cam Miller, he served as the team's short yardage ball carrier. Had over 1,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a role player. When he finally received his opportunity under center in 2025, he produced through the air at a high level. When examining his production when throwing 20+ yards downfield and under pressure, the notion that he is more than a bruising runner must be considered albeit he remains raw in several areas. He is a long-term project with credible dual-threat potential, but there are also paths to usage immediately as a runner. Incredible strength against contact, stemming from a sturdy and thick frame. Breaks tackles and is hard to get to the ground on initial contact. Has a nice blend of speed and agility. Will make guys miss but can also run defenders over. Throws a smooth, accurate deep ball with excellent trajectory. Receiver-friendly as he can put it high enough to allow receivers time to adjust their path. Has the natural arm strength to make long intermediate throws to the sideline. Excellent under pressure. Has a slow release and tends to hang on to the ball for too long. He will need to speed things up at the next level. Did not work the middle of the field well. Tightness in his hips and lack of experience looking defenders off will make him easy to forecast. Will need development as he has just one year of real quarterback experience and played in a simple offense.
2025 Stats: 161/224, 2719 yds, 71.8%, 16 TD, 4 INT, 777 rushing yds, 13 TD, 193.8 QB rating. OSR:3/8. VJ-40.0, SS-4.36. Draft projection: 4th/5th round