Packers identified as ideal match for one of the best quarterbacks in 2026 draft class and the buzz is growing
Green Bay is doing a lot of pre-draft homework on quarterbacks, and the team’s recent track record developing players at the position hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The Green Bay Packers will realistically look for a new backup quarterback. Now that they are running out of veteran options, though, the draft could be the spot to make it happen. And while the Packers’ have focused most of their pre-draft work on late-round or UDFA-type prospects, there is one mid-level prospect who could be a perfect fit in Green Bay: North Dakota State’s Cole Payton.
A good spot for Cole Payton
Despite being an athletic 6-3, 232-pound quarterback, Payton isn’t necessarily the type of quarterback the Packers would generally prefer. He’s 23 years old and played five college seasons at an FCS level, but only started in 2025.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Jordan Reid mentioned that Green Bay would be the ideal landing spot for the developmental quarterback. This is how Reid describes his play:
Pros: “Payton is a strong dual-threat option with a frame that allows him to make difficult throws from the pocket and showcase his ability as a runner. He is tough in the pocket and able to withstand big hits from defenders while still throwing accurately. Payton is an excellent downfield passer.”
Cons: “Payton has a full-circle throwing motion that includes loopy mechanics. He must become less reliant on his upper body to generate power in his throws, as his lower body stiffness is most notable when throwing passes to his left side. Progressing to secondary options and overall pocket awareness are other things that he needs to improve.” — Jordan Reid
And that combination of factors is exactly why the Packers would be great for Payton. In Green Bay, the lefty would have time to develop his skill set and learn behind Jordan Love — a quarterback himself who was raw coming out of college. Head coach Matt LaFleur has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, which includes Love, Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, and Jared Goff.
At this point, Cole Payton is the 135th prospect on the consensus big board — the sixth quarterback. The problem is that it equals a late fourth-round pick, and it’s hard to foresee a scenario where the Packers actually spend that type of draft capital on a developmental backup quarterback.
If Payton falls a little bit, though, things can be much more interesting for both sides. And getting a player of this profile under controlled cost for four years is certainly an intriguing proposition after losing Willis in free agency.
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