{"id":282260,"date":"2026-09-09T14:44:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T14:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/282260\/"},"modified":"2026-09-09T14:44:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T14:44:10","slug":"it-took-only-one-game-for-steelers-dream-qb-draft-target-to-implode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/282260\/","title":{"rendered":"It took only one game for Steelers\u2019 dream QB draft target to implode"},"content":{"rendered":"

With plenty of hype surrounding the potential quarterback class<\/a> of the 2027 NFL Draft, many eyes were on the college football world. It could be a class full of talent, with names like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, and others who could turn pro. <\/p>\n

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be in need of the position after Aaron Rodgers retires following this season, and there should be many to choose from.<\/p>\n

One prospect who was getting a lot of attention as a potential riser at this spring’s draft was Drew Mestemaker. He produced a highly productive career at North Texas as a walk-on before transferring to Oklahoma State to follow his head coach, Eric Morris. It’s been a rags-to-riches story for Mestemaker, and many thought he could get into the first-round conversation going into the season.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh should now consider dropping the Cowboy down their draft board, at least early on. He is coming off a dismal performance during Week 1 of college action after his first start at Oklahoma State. You couldn’t have written a worse outcome<\/a> for the quarterback. Nothing seemed to go right against a lower-tier talent in Tulsa. Now, Mestemaker can only watch as his draft stock plummets.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers might’ve given up on drafting QB Drew Mestemaker after his season debut<\/p>\n

Perhaps Drew Mestemaker was only a good prospect at North Texas because he padded his stats in a lower tier of college football. His first start with the Cowboys certainly points to that being the case. With that said, it’s a long campaign ahead, and things could always change. Things look bleak for the prospect early on, but that could always turn around if he can perform at a high level moving forward.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest concerns about Mestemaker’s performance was that he had a shot to show he could play at the next level, but he couldn’t produce numbers against Tulsa. It’s not like that program is anything to write home about. The prospect completed 29 of his 49 passing attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. It was an ugly outing all around<\/a> for the signal caller.<\/p>\n

The Steelers have been trying to locate a franchise quarterback for a long time now. <\/p>\n

They have kicked the proverbial can down the road for too long, and it’s led to mediocrity, with a blend of Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and other veterans taking the starting spot. Finding a long-term option in the draft might be their best course of action<\/a> if they don’t believe Drew Allar or Will Howard are the answer.<\/p>\n

With the number of projected quarterbacks expected to make noise at the draft in 2027, Mestemaker’s poor start could see his stock rapidly decline. The Steelers have been connected to him in plenty of mock drafts, but this setback will only hurt his chances. <\/p>\n

It’s a long season, and Mestemaker could rebound, but early returns are showing he could end up as a bust.<\/p>\n

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