Zach Berman·
Payton was the only quarterback at the rookie minicamp, so he received considerable attention from offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and
quarterbacks coach Parks Frazier. There was not much to interpret from Payton’s practice session (with a camera affixed to his helmet), although it looked different seeing a left-handed quarterback. Payton might be the first lefty quarterback at an Eagles practice since Tim Tebow. Michael Vick was the last one in a game. Payton didn’t think his left-handedness required any adjustments for the offense — it can change the side for which the quarterback is apt to roll out, which is a part of Payton’s game — and Sirianni said the only difference is it can be difficult for coaches to demonstrate drills. When Payton practices next, he’ll be fourth in the quarterback rotation behind Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton. Howie Roseman said he’s not opposed to keeping four quarterbacks. That would break convention for the Eagles; it would need to be a situation in which Payton demonstrates clear down-the-road potential and the Eagles do not draw a strong trade offer for McKee or Dalton. (And if they believe Dalton provides value as the No. 3 quarterback.) “If that’s what the team wants, if that’s what the team needs, I’m all for it,” said Payton, with a Tayson Hill-type role the root of the question. This seems unlikely. Even if Payton makes the roster, the Eagles would need to dress more than two quarterbacks. They seldom do that, especially when they can designate an emergency quarterback. If that were the case, Payton would likely need to present special teams value. Unlike most quarterbacks, Payton actually has special teams experience.
