Eagles take developmental QB prospect in NFL draft: Cole Payton profile

The Philadelphia Eagles went back to the North Dakota State well for a quarterback 10 years after they took Carson Wentz No. 2 overall in 2016.

With the 38th pick of the fifth round (No. 178 overall), the Eagles drafted Cole Payton. The southpaw – Philadelphia loves a lefty like Rocky Balboa – signal-caller completed 72 percent of his passes during his one season as a starter. He threw 16 touchdowns (four interceptions) and averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 136 attempts (29 carries of more than 10 yards) to go with 13 rushing touchdowns.

The Bison went 12-1 and Payton was a finalist for the Walter Payton award, given to the top player in FCS.

Payton, 6-3 and 230 pounds, was the sixth quarterback taken of the draft. But ESPN Mel Kiper Jr. predicted he won’t merely be a backup quarterback for Philadelphia.

“This kid can be Taysom Hill,” said Kiper, who guessed the Eagles will create a package of plays specifically for Payton.

“You got to love what Howie Roseman does and what they do in the draft,” Kiper added.

The Omaha, Nebraska, native is accustomed to waiting his turn. He served as the Bisons’ backup for four seasons before starting for one year as a fifth-year senior.

With a solid arm, Payton’s ball possesses a nice touch and his mobility is his calling card. He was voted the top quarterback during two days of Senior Bowl week.

Eagles QB depth chart: What pick means for Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP starting quarterback, unseated Wentz as a rookie and second-round pick. Payton is more of a developmental project, but he is joining a crowded Eagles quarterback room.

Philadelphia traded for veteran Andy Dalton this offseason and Tanner McKee – trade rumors will certainly intensify around him now – is also on the roster already.

Of all the quarterbacks on Philadelphia’s roster, though, Payton mirrors Hurts’ skill set the most.