The Cincinnati Bengals have a unique edge in the AFC North when Joe Burrow is at the helm. As a pure passer, Burrow stands out, not needing to rely on his legs like Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. But Burrow's battle with injuries is a concern, and the Bengals need to act swiftly to build a contender around him.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the reigning division champs, are quietly making moves. As new head coach Mike McCarthy awaits Aaron Rodgers' decision, the Steelers are eyeing potential future stars in the 2026 NFL Draft, including an intriguing quarterback prospect.
Enter Cole Payton from North Dakota State, a program known for producing top talent like Carson Wentz and Trey Lance. Payton is making waves in the pre-draft process, earning a visit with the Steelers, who are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback regardless of Rodgers' plans.
Payton's confidence and poise are evident, especially after his pro day at NDSU. He expressed pride in his decision to be a one-year starter in a pro-style offense, emphasizing the value of his experience.
Physically, Payton is impressive. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 232 pounds, he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash and showcased a 40-inch vertical leap. His athleticism is comparable to some of the NFL's best, like Josh Allen, highlighting his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
Payton's on-field performance backs up the hype. His 72% completion rate in 2025 wasn't just from short passes; he excelled in deep throws under pressure. His stats place him in elite company alongside names like Jameis Winston, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson.
Russell Wilson's quarterback coach, Jake Heaps, ran Payton's pro day and was thoroughly impressed, suggesting that Payton has all the makings of a franchise QB. With Mike McCarthy's reputation as a quarterback guru, Payton could thrive under his guidance.
Draft expert Todd McShay is high on Payton, ranking him as one of the top QB prospects. If the Steelers land him, it could pose a significant challenge for the Bengals, who need to bolster their defense to handle dynamic players like Payton.
As the draft approaches, the Bengals and Steelers are both poised for pivotal decisions that could shape the future of the AFC North.