Pittsburgh Steelers fans find themselves in a familiar yet unsettling place-searching for answers at the quarterback position. The buzz around Aaron Rodgers making a comeback in 2026 has been inconsistent, and with a draft class that lacks standout options and a free-agent market that doesn’t inspire confidence, the Steelers are feeling the pressure.
Enter Cole Payton, a quarterback from North Dakota State, who’s starting to generate some serious chatter ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. According to NFL Insider Jason La Canfora and some anonymous league executives, Payton is emerging as a name to watch. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, he has the physical attributes that scouts are eager to see.
The Steelers might just have a potential target for their first-round pick if Payton’s stock continues to rise. La Canfora’s report suggests Payton could be QB2 in this draft class, drawing comparisons to the projected No.1 pick, Fernando Mendoza. One league executive even noted, “Two or three years from now, I think he can be there with Mendoza.”
Another executive highlighted the appeal of a fifth-year option for a quarterback, which could tempt teams to take Payton in the first round. They praised his decision-making, arm strength, and accuracy, and noted his potential as a left-handed quarterback who can also run.
While Payton isn’t yet a fixture in mock drafts, he wouldn’t be the first North Dakota State quarterback to make waves. Carson Wentz and Trey Lance were both top picks, though their NFL careers have had mixed results. Payton, however, remains under the radar for now, despite a strong season where he completed 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding 777 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground.
The Bison’s move to FBS next season won’t affect Payton’s current draft evaluation, but it does highlight the challenge of translating FCS success to the NFL. His performance in the playoffs was less impressive, but his overall potential keeps him in the conversation.
Payton’s scouting report from Bleacher Report pegs him as a fourth-round talent, yet his comparison to Super Bowl Champion Jalen Hurts is intriguing. Hurts exemplifies how mental toughness and athleticism can lead to success, even if every passing tool isn’t perfect.
For Steelers fans, the prospect of a Hurts-like player in Pittsburgh could be polarizing. Yet, if Payton’s comps are good enough for the Eagles, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to keep him on their radar.
While Payton didn’t dominate at the Senior Bowl, he still has opportunities at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day to impress teams, including the Steelers. For now, Steelers Nation has a reason to keep an eye on this FCS quarterback, contemplating how he might fit into the black and gold, and where he could land in the draft.
