The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the team is linked to a rather surprising one.
Pittsburgh has a question mark at quarterback as Aaron Rodgers has yet to re-sign. But all signs point to a deal getting done. Yet, even if Rodgers re-signs, the Steelers have been rumored to draft another developmental quarterback in the mid-rounds.
Although the Steelers had been linked to popular names like Carson Beck, Drew Allar, and Garrett Nussmeier, the team is now connected to a rather surprising name. Steelers insider Brian Batko of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed there is plenty of smoke around North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton.
“I think there could be, yeah. The Steelers have done more than their typical due diligence on him,” Batko wrote in his mailbag on Monday. “They had QB coach Tom Arth in FARGO for the North Dakota State pro day, then flew in Cole Payton the next day for a pre-draft visit.”
Payton was at North Dakota State for five years and started just one season. In his lone season as the starter, he threw for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He also rushed for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns as he’s a dual-threat quarterback.
Payton isn’t the biggest name heading into the NFL Draft. But Batko believes he is emerging as the frontrunner to be the quarterback picked by the Steelers.
Cole Payton Draft Projection
Although Payton only started just one season at NDSU, he is expected to be a Day 3 pick.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein projects Payton to be selected in Rounds 4 or 5. And, he’s projected to be a short-yardage quarterback in the NFL.
“Payton is a dual-threat, single-season FCS starter with good size,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s a lefty with shoddy mechanics and subpar arm talent, but he still manages to deliver throws with touch to all three levels. He lacks drive velocity to dot throws into tight windows and might not have the timing needed to outfox pro zone defenders, though.
“He’s not shifty but excels when short yardage is needed. He has built up speed for explosive runs once he gets rolling. Payton projects as a QB3. He will require packaged plays to take advantage of his rushing ability until he proves himself a functional pocket passer.”
Although Payton is a great running threat, his throwing mechanics are considered a weakness, which is why he could take some time to develop at the NFL level. However, the lefty is accurate on the move, and his feet make him a threat.
Steelers Likely to Draft a Quarterback
Even though Pittsburgh is hopeful Rodgers returns, the Steelers are expected to draft a quarterback at some point during the draft.
Steelers insider Brooke Pryor of ESPN revealed the team is likely to use a later pick on a quarterback.
“It seems unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a quarterback. But don’t rule out a selection on Day 2 or Day 3, even if Aaron Rodgers returns,” Pryor wrote. “New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting staff have been doing their homework on several prospects in the quarterback class. Including Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Both McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list. Long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.”
So, even if Rodgers returns, the Steelers are expected to get some more quarterback help in the draft.
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