Is Cole Payton the Detroit Lions QB of the Future?

The Detroit Lions are not in a quarterback crisis. Far from it.

Jared Goff is firmly entrenched as Detroit’s starting quarterback and, barring something unexpected, he’s likely holding that job for the next few seasons. He’s productive, respected in the locker room, and perfectly suited for what Dan Campbell and the Lions want to do offensively.

But smart franchises don’t wait until a problem exists to plan for the future.

That’s why the name Cole Payton is starting to make some sense in Detroit. I have been talking about this kid for a while now, and it won’t be long before everyone else is too.

Why the Lions Can Think Long-Term at Quarterback

Because Goff is stable, the Lions are in an ideal position to take a developmental quarterback without pressure.

No rushing.
No forced starts.
No “save the franchise” expectations.

That’s exactly how teams should draft quarterbacks outside the first round, and it’s why Detroit can afford to look for upside rather than instant impact.

Who Is Cole Payton?

School: North Dakota State
Position: Quarterback
Height/Weight: ~6’3”, 233 lbs
2025 Stats: 2,719 pass yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs; 777 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs
Draft Status: Mid-to-late round prospect with day-3 potential (draft grade ~QB8/176th overall)

Payton is a dual-threat quarterback out of North Dakota State, a program with a long history of producing NFL-caliber players. He’s built like an NFL QB, moves well, and brings a rushing element that modern offenses value more than ever.

In 2025, Payton put himself firmly on the radar with:

Strong efficiency as a passer
Legitimate rushing production
Poise running a pro-style offense at the FCS level

He’s not viewed as a Day 1 or Day 2 lock, but he’s widely seen as one of the more intriguing developmental quarterbacks in this draft class.

Why Payton Fits Detroit’s Draft Philosophy

Brad Holmes has consistently shown a willingness to bet on:

Development
Long-term upside

Payton checks all three boxes.

Right now, many draft evaluators believe the Lions could land him in the fifth round or later, which is exactly the range where taking a swing at quarterback makes sense. Low risk. High potential reward.

And there’s reason to believe that value window may not last long.

Why His Stock Could Rise Quickly

Two events matter enormously for quarterbacks like Payton:

Senior Bowl Week

This is where small-school quarterbacks can separate themselves. Early practice reports already suggest Payton belongs on the field with FBS prospects, and continued strong showings could push him up draft boards.

NFL Scouting Combine

Payton’s athleticism is a selling point. If he tests well, particularly in movement drills, teams will start viewing him less as a flier and more as a legitimate project.

History says quarterbacks with size, mobility, and efficiency don’t stay under the radar for long.

The Jared Goff Factor

This is the key part of the conversation.

Payton would not be drafted to compete with Goff.
He would be drafted to learn behind Goff.

That’s the ideal situation for a young quarterback:

Learn the system
Grow without pressure

Detroit doesn’t need its future QB today. It needs to start identifying who that future could be.

The Bottom Line

Cole Payton is not the next Jared Goff, at least not yet.

But he could be the kind of quarterback the Lions take on Day 3, stash on the roster, and patiently develop while Goff continues to lead the team.

With Payton’s size, mobility, and upward momentum, it wouldn’t be surprising if Detroit views him as a smart long-term investment, especially if his draft stock continues to rise through Senior Bowl week and the NFL Combine.

Planning ahead is how good teams stay good.

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