The 2027 quarterback class was once touted as generational, but NFL scouts have dramatically narrowed the conversation. After months of evaluation, one name has emerged as the consensus No. 1: Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker.
Mestemaker, who transferred from North Texas, has been sensational for the Cowboys this season, throwing for 2,326 yards and 20 touchdowns. His standout performances against Colorado, Houston, and Oregon have caught the attention of evaluators nationwide.
ESPN's survey of 25 NFL scouts and executives revealed a landslide: Mestemaker received 17 votes as the top quarterback for the 2027 draft, while Notre Dame's CJ Carr was a distant second with just four. "Mestemaker seems like the only real choice at this point," one scout told ESPN.
This marks a stunning fall for Arch Manning and Dante Moore, who entered the season as the most-hyped prospects. Moore's campaign was cut short by a concussion, while Manning has struggled mightily in Steve Sarkisian's offense, completing 63.3% of his passes for 1,507 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His 2027 draft stock has plummeted amid these struggles, and speculation about his future in Austin continues to swirl.
Meanwhile, Mestemaker's rise has reshaped the draft landscape. Teams desperate for a franchise quarterback are already circling. The Tennessee Titans, currently holding the No. 2 pick, could be in the market if Cam Ward's struggles persist. The Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals are also projected to have top-10 picks and could be seeking a signal-caller.
The Jets, in particular, are in an enviable position, owning three first-round picks—including those from the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys—which could make them major players in trade talks. With such a strong market, Mestemaker's value is skyrocketing.
While Manning's potential departure from Texas remains a hot topic, scouts have moved on. The buzz around Mestemaker is undeniable, and his emergence as the clear-cut favorite has changed the narrative for the 2027 draft. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Oklahoma State star to see if he can maintain his stellar play and cement his status as the future face of an NFL franchise.
