Drew Mestemaker's NFL Draft 2027 Status Addressed by NFL Scouts as Brugler Ranks QB in New Big Board

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker could be on track for a first-round draft selection just three years after he walked on as a zero-star quarterback at North Texas.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler, who ranked Mestemaker as the top quarterback and No. 2 prospect on his latest 2027 NFL draft big board, reported "scouts believe there is a good chance" Mestemaker declares for the draft.

"From high school backup to college walk-on to No. 1 pick? That might be Mestemaker's journey, as unlikely a path as we have ever seen," Brugler reported.

"There is no substitute for experience, and while Mestemaker is lacking, he has outstanding tools, with the passing instincts and competitive toughness to get NFL teams excited about his future."

Bleacher Report's latest 2027 NFL mock draft projected Mestemaker would be the first quarterback off the board, being selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 3.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported in October a midseason poll of NFL scouts and executives showed Mestemaker as the consensus pick to be the first quarterback selected in the draft.

Mestemaker, who came in behind only Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on Brugler's board, has ranked second in the FBS with 2,962 passing yards through nine games with Oklahoma State.

He has leads the nation with 29 touchdown passes while throwing just eight interceptions over a 6-3 start that marked a significant turnaround for a program that went 1-11 last season.

Mestemaker never started a high school game at quarterback, mainly serving as punter while seeing playing time at cornerback and safety at Vandegrift High School in Austin, per MaxPreps' Jordan Divens.

He joined North Texas as a walk-on earned a backup spot during training camp that allowed him to make his college debut in relief of Chandler Morris three games into the 2024 season, per The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr.

Mestemaker later took over as North Texas' starter after Morris declared his intention to enter the transfer portal. He led the nation in passing during his redshirt freshman 2025 season before following head coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys quarterback first earned attention this season by leading Oklahoma State to a Week 2 upset of No. 6 Oregon. Mestemaker could potentially further improve his draft stock when facing his next ranked opponent Saturday evening against visiting Texas Tech.