Jason Burgos
A top NFL Draft expert just offered up a quarterback that could end up being a late-round steal for teams like the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals next month.
Like every other year, several teams would love to find a potential franchise QB in April’s NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this year’s QB class is weak. The Las Vegas Raiders are a lock to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. After the Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the next best QB on the board, and it’s debatable if he will even go in Round 1.
That is why many teams have been aggressive to snap up veteran options that have become available over the last few weeks. However, teams like the NY Jets, Steelers, and Cardinals have situations where they need to consider using a pick on a signal-caller. But which player should they take, and when, in a year with an underwhelming QB class?
Should NY Jets or Steelers target Cole Payton in the NFL Draft?
Well, this week, veteran draft expert Todd McShay offered up a low-cost, high-upside option. In a new social media post, he suggested North Dakota State star Cole Payton is the most “underrated QB in the entire draft.”
“In conversations with NFL GMs, this is kind of the guy,” he said as he raved about his timing and precision passing. Furthermore, he is high on his ability to extend plays and make accurate throws under pressure. “There’s a lot of untapped stuff here,” he added.
Former first-round picks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance are NDS alums, and McShay believes Payton is the best QB prospect the university has ever produced. The fifth-year senior had a career-year in 2025, throwing for 2,719 yards and hit on 72% of his 225 passes. He also rushed for 777 yards and had 29 total touchdowns.
Payton is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could fall all the way to Round 7. He could be an intriguing option for the NY Jets, Steelers, and Cardinals as a project they develop this year.
