The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just fly out to watch North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton work out Thursday. Payton is flying to Pittsburgh for an even more extensive meeting.
Speaking with reporters after his session, Payton noted that he is flying to Pittsburgh tonight to meet with the Steelers. Presumably, that will take place Friday.
“So actually headed to Pittsburgh this evening,” Payton said. “I’ll be in Indianapolis early April. Have a couple private workouts lined up.”
From @NDSUfootball Pro Day: Cole Payton (@ColePayton9) shares what the pre-draft process has been like and what is next – off to Pittsburgh for a workout
Payton's Pro Day measurables (per NDSU):
Hand: 10”
Arm: 33”
Wing: 78 1/2”
Height: 6’2 3/8”
Weight: 237 lbs
Bench: DNP… pic.twitter.com/44CTp8LcTC
— Ryan Bowlin (@rybo_2) March 19, 2026
Earlier today, we noted Pittsburgh sent QBs Coach Tom Arth and area scout Jim Ward to the Bison’s Pro Day. With Michigan’s Pro Day Friday, it’s not clear if Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy will be in Pittsburgh to meet with Payton, but these are clear signs of the Steelers’ interest in him.
Despite being an FCS school, North Dakota State has a track record of sending quarterbacks to the NFL. Trey Lance, Easton Stick, and Cam Miller are recent examples to get drafted. Carson Wentz, the second overall pick of the 2016 draft, is also an NDSU alum.
A big body at nearly 6-3 and 232 pounds, Payton – a lefty – shined in his one year starting for the program. He ended 2025 with 29 total touchdowns (16 passing, 13 rushing) and impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.55 40 yard dash.
Per WDAY’s Dom Izzo, Payton completed 52 of 54 passes during today’s throwing session. His personal quarterback coach is Jake Heaps, who worked with Russell Wilson during his 2024 stint with the Steelers.
Some highlights of Cole Payton at #NDSU Pro Day today.
He completed 52 of 54 passes in front of 28 NFL teams.
Stock is soaring for the former Bison quarterback, who is flying to Pittsburgh tonight to meet with the Steelers.
Met with the Patriots, several other teams. pic.twitter.com/dYdSV1JNDt
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) March 19, 2026
Payton isn’t mechanically sound and a true developmental prospect. He’s the lump of clay McCarthy could work with, remapping his mechanics to make him more accurate.
As Payton noted, he’s generated plenty of NFL interest. His draft stock seems unpredictable, but it’s possible he becomes a late Day Two/early Day Three selection if teams become enamored with his physical tools in a relatively weak quarterback class. Pittsburgh has a trio of third round picks (No. 76, 85, and 99) and two fourth rounders (No. 121, 135).
Recent reporting indicates that’s when the organization could begin to consider drafting a quarterback. If so, Payton could be on their radar.
Check out our entire scouting report on Payton below.
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