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Drew Mestemaker is emerging as the Steelers' ideal Aaron Rodgers successor

After an early season flop, Mestemaker is making a comeback.
ByRyan Pawloski
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When a highly talented quarterback prospect plays near your team, it is wise to go watch them in person. This is exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers did, as they sent a large contingent, including assistant general manager Andy Weidl, to the West Virginia vs. Oklahoma State game this past weekend.

It shows that the team is very much in search for their quarterback successor to Aaron Rodgers.

The Steelers could've been scouting a handful of players, but the name to watch is Oklahoma State's quarterback Drew Mestemaker. After a fairy-tale story of going from a walk-on to the starting quarterback at North Texas, he flipped over to join the Cowboys. A strong campaign there should soar his draft stock to new heights. He is someone clearly on Pittsburgh's draft radar at the moment.

You could scoff at the idea of an early-season game not meaning much, but the attendance of Weidl is something to circle. He did the same thing with Max Iheanachor last year, and he ended up being their first-round selection. Mestemaker has a lot to prove during the remainder of the campaign, but he has shown an ability to bounce back after a bumpy start to the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers could draft Drew Mestemaker to take the reins from Aaron Rodgers

As Weidl and three other scouts from Pittsburgh's contingent sat to watch Mestemaker throw, he played big-time football. He produced 389 passing yards and three passing touchdowns while completing 74.1 percent of his throws. He was on fire against West Virginia, and the Steelers had to leave that stadium feeling impressed.

Now Mestemaker already looks like a strong candidate to be the successor to Aaron Rodgers.

After a shocking loss to Tulsa during Oklahoma State's season opener, Mestemaker has turned things around in a hurry. Many assumed that was the beginning of the end for the prospect's chances of getting selected high in the 2027 NFL Draft. Good for him to take that performance on the chin and turn things around.

He is firmly back into the first round conversation for the Steelers come spring time.

Mestemaker produced a memorable game where Oklahoma State saw Mestemaker produce insane numbers to upset the Oregon Ducks. He created plays both with his arm and his legs to will his team to victory. Mestemaker produced a stat line of 317 passing yards, 109 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. He showed he can rise to the occasion in big moments and rebound from poor outings.

Since losing to Tulsa, Mestemaker hasn't fallen below 317 passing yards during a game.

The talented quarterback prospect has also produced two passing touchdowns or more during each of his past three contests. Consistency and playing quality football against tough competition will be his biggest areas of growth going forward. The Steelers got a close-up view of their draft target this past weekend, and it should keep them intrigued.

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