First Team All-Eye Test, First-off-the-Bus, All-Lobby Team. No matter how you want to call or categorize it, Paiden Cash Dalhaug was one of the most eye catching prospects in all of Fargo at NDSU’s FBS Prospect Camp. A verified 6’5, 220+ with good athleticism backing him and those massive measurables, college coaches of all levels couldn’t keep their eyes and hands off Dalhaug during the various drill work and exercises, as the size, pocket presence, and overall arm talent was smacking you in the face in terms of recruitability. Dalhaug had the arm strength to put even the more difficult throws available on a rope, and he was consistently leading WRs open and putting the ball where only they could get it, as well as getting the ball out quickly. Overall, from what PRZ saw, Dalhaug produced a consistent and accurate body of work up in Fargo.

Dalhaug’s biggest strength is the arm talent, and it’s the kind that translates because it’s natural and comfortable. He looks confident and relaxed throwing the ball outside the numbers, and that’s where you really see the difference between him and a lot of high school quarterbacks. He can generate real velocity without needing a perfect base, and he’s comfortable making those throws even when he’s off balance or under pressure. There’s a calmness to the way he plays that stands out too. He doesn’t look rushed, and he keeps his eyes downfield even when the pocket starts to break down. The one area where there’s clear room for growth is speeding up the delivery just a bit. Tightening the motion and getting the ball out quicker will help him hit tighter windows and avoid some unnecessary hits. The production supports the traits. He threw for over 1,000 yards with 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions, including a 244-yard, three-touchdown performance against Horizon, which shows the arm strength and confidence aren’t just traits — they’re showing up in games.

The Highland QB has been a top performer at several showcases this offseason where he has shown off his live arm and consistent accuracy. At the PRZ showcase, he won the long ball competition where he displayed his natural arm strength and good rotation in his hips/shoulders to generate velocity. Shows he can anticipate routes to be on time and locate the ball where only his receivers can make a play on it. Intriguing prospect to watch as he gains game experience.

Paiden Cash Dalhaug Paiden Cash Dalhaug 6'5" | 220 lbs | QB Highland | 2027 State AZ came into the combine and immediately made his presence felt — especially during the long ball competition, which he won with ease. His long arms create a ton of whip, and when he lets it fly, you can hear it. Physically, he looked like a different player from last year. There’s still room for him to pack on a bit more weight, but his frame is already filling out and he looked far more defined across the board. You could also see the difference in how he moved. He’s never going to be a speedster, but the mobility has taken a big leap forward. He moved with more fluidity and balance. What stood out most was his consistency throughout the day. With a constantly rotating group of unfamiliar receivers, he still managed to deliver accurate, well-timed throws across the board. That’s not easy to do in a combine setting — especially for a quarterback his age. Between the physical growth and the on-field maturity, Paiden looked like a guy who’s starting to take the next step in his development.

Paiden’s size already caught people’s attention at last year’s event — he looked the part back then, and from everything I’ve heard, he’s only gotten bigger and stronger since. That kind of frame always draws a second look, but what makes him really intriguing is how locked in he’s been this offseason. He’s been putting in work behind the scenes, and this combine will give us a real look at how that effort is translating when the ball’s in his hand. I’m especially curious to see how clean his footwork looks in the throwing drills and whether his mechanics have tightened up. A player his size with good rhythm and control can be a real problem for defenses — and this will be a great early test of where he’s at in that development curve. He’s definitely one of the guys to keep an eye on throughout the day.