The Pittsburgh Steelers are conducting a pre-draft visit with North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton following his pro day workout. Payton is traveling to Pittsburgh after impressing at the event attended by Steelers personnel. This shows clear interest from the team in the FCS prospect.
On March 19, 2026, North Dakota State held its pro day in Fargo, North Dakota, drawing representatives from 25 NFL teams, including Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth and area scout Jim Ward. Steelers Depot reported that the team did not merely observe Cole Payton remotely; the quarterback confirmed he is flying to Pittsburgh that evening for a more extensive pre-draft meeting, likely on Friday, March 20. Payton told reporters, “So actually headed to Pittsburgh this evening. I’ll be in Indianapolis early April. Have a couple private workouts lined up.” At the pro day, Payton completed 52 of 54 passes, according to WDAY’s Dom Izzo. His measurables include a height of 6’2 3/8”, weight around 232-237 pounds, hand size of 10 inches, arm length of 33 inches, and wingspan of 78 1/2 inches. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. In 2025, Payton’s lone starting season, he threw for over 2,700 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for 777 yards and 13 scores, totaling 29 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus ranked him the top FCS quarterback, and he was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. A left-handed athlete compared to Josh Allen and Tim Tebow, Payton hails from a program that has produced NFL quarterbacks like Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, Easton Stick, and Cam Miller. His personal quarterback coach, Jake Heaps, previously worked with Russell Wilson during his 2024 stint with the Steelers. Analysts view Payton as a developmental prospect with strong physical tools but needing mechanical refinement. The Steelers hold multiple mid-round picks, including third-round selections at Nos. 76, 85, and 99.
