Drew Mestemaker is climbing rapidly on Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2027 NFL Draft big board, moving up to No. 2 behind only Jeremiah Smith after strong early performances, according to multiple outlets. The increase reshapes a quarterback race that previously featured more highly regarded prospects.

Across coverage, outlets frame Mestemaker’s rise as a notable shift in an otherwise uneven quarterback class. The Athletic adds context that the overall QB group has not matched early preseason expectations, but Mestemaker stands out as a possible high-end selection, potentially even in the top 10. Yahoo Sports similarly emphasizes that teams are already tracking quarterback options for the future and highlights the competition among several signal-callers in what could become a first-round–caliber group.