Steelers Set To Take Risky Swing On Signal-Caller: "The NFL Knows"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a weird spot at quarterback as the organization continues to wait on a decision from four-time league MVP, Aaron Rodgers. They already have two quarterbacks under contract for the 2026 season in Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, and many believe that Howard is Plan B if Rodgers decides to retire or play elsewhere. Fans would be happy to see Howard get an opportunity to start during his second season, but there is also a good chance that he is not the future at the position for the franchise. The Steelers aren't necessarily in a spot to draft a high-caliber quarterback either next month, but General Manager Omar Khan could try to find a diamond in the rough.

The only quarterback that is a lock to go in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is Fernando Mendoza, and he is most likely going to be the number one overall pick. Ty Simpson is the other quarterback that could be drafted high, but the hype behind him has seemed to die off a little bit. If the Steelers draft a quarterback, it will probably be a mid-to-late-round guy, and the organization has shown significant interest in both Carson Beck and Cole Payton.

Payton is an interesting prospect as he comes out of North Dakota State University. He is certainly the diamond in the rough-type as mentioned, but his personal quarterback coach, Jake Heaps, said the league knows how good his client is during Payton's Pro Day on Thursday.

"The NFL knows about Cole Payton," Heaps said. "Don’t be surprised on Day 2 when he’s selected."

There is often a disconnect between the media and the league when it comes to a few players. Last year, the obvious example of that was Shedeur Sanders. The media thought he was a lock to be a first-round pick, but the personnel people in the NFL knew he was never going to go that high. Payton could be that guy this year, except in the opposite manner. He doesn't get much coverage, but he could surprise people and go on Day 2 of the event.

Pittsburgh has shown significant interest in Payton as the franchise met with him at the 2026 NFL Combine, and when the quarterback spoke to the media at his Pro Day, he let them know he would be flying to Pittsburgh this week. The expectation is that he will be going through a private workout, while meeting with the coaches and executives. 

NFL Draft expert Todd McShay chimed in on the words from Heaps, backing up the quarterback trainer's words.

McShay has Payton listed as the third-best quarterback in the draft, which means he should go on Day 2 of the event. Pittsburgh is doing its homework on the NDSU product, and he would certainly be an interesting player to bring to the Black and Gold.

Steelers Have Some Ties With Cole Payton

Heaps has some ties with Pittsburgh. He became a full-time quarterback trainer while working with Russell Wilson in 2022, which means he was around the Steelers for the 2024 season. Of course, he was not hired by the Steelers, but Wilson is known and criticized for bringing his own entourage around. The coaching staff in Pittsburgh has changed dramatically, but Tom Arth is still there. Heap would have at least talked with him in 2024, and he is probably talking up Payton to the franchise.

Pittsburgh has four picks on Day 2 of the event, and one of those third-round selections could very well be used on Payton.

What do you think about the hype around Payton? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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