Steelers hosting sleeper QB for pre-draft visit

Jan 31, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Cole Payton (9) of North Dakota State throws the ball during the second half of the 2026 Senior Bowl at University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton is headed to Pittsburgh for a pre-draft workout, the passer said at his pro day Thursday per KVRR's Ryan Bowlin.

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

Payton will be the second quarterback the Steelers have a reported pre-draft visit with, along with Miami's Carson Beck.

On Thursday, the Steelers hosted Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis and Illinois defensive lineman James Thompson per PennLive's Nick Farabaugh.

Payton, in his fifth college season and first season starting in 2025, passed for 2,719 yards (72% completion), 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Bison. He added 777 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. The 6'2, 237-pound passer ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Payton is a dual-threat, single-season FCS starter with good size," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in a pre-draft scouting report. He's a lefty with shoddy mechanics and subpar arm talent, but he still manages to deliver throws with touch to all three levels. He lacks drive velocity to dot throws into tight windows and might not have the timing needed to outfox pro zone defenders, though. He's not shifty but excels when short yardage is needed and has build-up speed for explosive runs once he gets rolling. Payton projects as a QB3 and will require packaged plays to take advantage of his rushing ability until he proves himself a functional pocket passer."

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Payton currently projects as a fifth-round pick per the current consensus.

Follow along with the Steelers' pre-draft visits using BTSC's tracker here.