From Undrafted to QB1: Drew Mestemaker's Unlikely Rise in 2027 NFL Draft Class

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker is rapidly emerging as a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, challenging established names and potentially becoming the No. 1 overall pick. Mestemaker, who transferred to Oklahoma State from North Texas, was not the starting quarterback at his high school and played defensive back and punter before earning a walk-on spot.

NFL scouts and draft analysts have taken notice of Mestemaker's performance. After spending his freshman season at North Texas behind Chandler Morris, Mestemaker earned his first start in a bowl game and followed that with a breakout sophomore campaign, leading the FBS in passing yards.

His ascent has coincided with struggles from other highly touted quarterback prospects, such as Arch Manning. Leading up to the season, Mestemaker was considered a fringe first-round pick, but his stock has dramatically increased.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has ranked Mestemaker as the No. 2 overall prospect, while The Athletic's Dane Brugler named him his top quarterback in the 2027 class. Pro Football Focus's initial mock draft also placed him as the first quarterback selected.

"Mestemaker's path has been unprecedented," Brugler told The Post. "While still raw in areas, he has exciting foundational traits with his size, arm, athleticism and mental toughness and his issues are primarily experienced-based."

CBS Sports draft analyst Ryan Wilson, who initially had reservations about Mestemaker's arm strength and ability to perform against tougher competition, has since moved him to the second-ranked quarterback prospect. "And every single test Mestemaker keeps passing," Wilson noted.

Following an opening-game loss to Tulsa, Oklahoma State has won four consecutive games, with Mestemaker leading a potent offense. A significant victory came against then-No. 6 Oregon, where Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and outdueled fellow draft prospect Dante Moore. He also opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown run.

Mestemaker's former offensive coordinator at North Texas and now at Oklahoma State, Sean Brophy, expressed astonishment at his development. "I’ve never been around a quarterback that’s consistently gotten better, every day," Brophy said. "It’s just like you’re watching somebody really special grow up in front of your eyes."

His former high school coach, Drew Sanders, who had always seen Mestemaker's potential at quarterback, is also impressed by his current trajectory. "I’m sure there’ll be a movie made about Drew," Sanders commented. "Because this is just an unbelievable rise."

Mestemaker has another opportunity to prove his capabilities on Saturday when No. 18 Oklahoma State faces No. 20 Houston in a key Big 12 matchup.