Tim Tebow
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A quarterback similar to former Florida star Tim Tebow could emerge this year.
More than a decade after former Florida Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow played the quarterback position in a unique way in the NFL, an analyst sees a comparable quarterback in this year’s draft.
That’s North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, who has been moving up draft boards since a strong Senior Bowl showing and a strong collegiate career. Payton is 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds, and he delivers on the field with a strong running game, but his passing game needs development.
“A list of comparable names is slim, but I’ll land on Tim Tebow, the NFL version who finished his career at tight end,” Steelers Depot analyst Alex Kozora wrote. “If he makes the position change, Taysom Hill will be his comparison.”
Tebow insisted on playing quarterback in the NFL despite suggestions he should switch to tight end. His unorthodox passing style was just good enough to help the Denver Broncos make the playoffs and win a Wild Card game once in 2012, but Broncos general manager John Elway veered away from him after that.
Hill has played quarterback as a backup with the New Orleans Saints for years, and he found his way to the field in different skill position roles. He’s now more of tight end, as his passing never developed to the level needed for an NFL quarterback.
Kozora projects Payton to go on Day Three of the draft.
Cole Payton ‘Possesses Fun Tape’
North Dakota State utilized Payton similarly to how many NFL coaches may envision using him on the field.
Payton mainly played on running downs and bruised opposing teams in the process for years, instead of landing the starting quarterback job right away. He played behind Cam Miller, now with the Miami Dolphins, before finally starting in the 2025 season.
Payton rushed for 1,918 yards and 31 touchdowns in his career with the Bison. In his one season as the starter, he threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns versus four interceptions, and he rushed for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“Overall, Cole Payton possesses fun tape,” Kozora wrote. “In a year where the position isn’t strong, he stands out, and his physical tools might be the most interesting of anyone in 2026.”
“But he’s such a projection that it’s hard to know if he’ll stay at quarterback. His high school coach once remarked that Payton might become a future NFL linebacker or tight end,” Kozora added. “That still seems possible, though tight end is far more likely than linebacker. Heck, a switch to running back seems on the table given his background.”
Cole Payton Following Time Tebow or Taysom Hill is the Question
Tebow’s career in the NFL didn’t last amid his pursuit of playing quarterback, though Denver took him with the No. 25 pick in 2010 out of Florida.
After two seasons with the Broncos, he bounced around the league with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Tebow only threw 361 passes for 2,42 yards and 17 touchdowns versus nine picks, and he rushed for 989 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Hill, meanwhile, has been in the league longer than Tebow was, and the former BYU standout remains a key part of the Saints offense. In nine seasons, Hill has 57 total touchdowns, 2,551 rushing yards, 1,034 receiving yards, and 57 tackles.
Which path Payton will take remains the question. Kozora believes it’s worth it for a team to find out the answer on the last day of this year’s draft.
“Is he worth the late-round flier? Yes. But he’s truly a boom-or-bust prospect who might feel a little too overhyped as every draftnik’s favorite sleeper by April,” Kozora concluded.