Despite having several young quarterbacks on the roster entering the 2026 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers still face significant work ahead. The team selected Drew Allar with its top pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Allar offers an intriguing ceiling, he remains a boom-or-bust prospect who will require substantial development.

Although the 2027 draft is still a year away, a clear long-term target could already be emerging.

As mock draft season winds down, many fans overlook early prospects worth monitoring. However, the 2027 NFL Draft could prove crucial to the future success of the Steelers. Quarterbacks expected to be available in that class have already generated significant hype. This could present the franchise with its best opportunity yet to finally secure a long-term quarterback solution.

Will Howard cannot be completely ruled out as a potential long-term option at quarterback in Pittsburgh, but that outcome appears unlikely given his status as a sixth-round pick.

Unless Aaron Rodgers misses significant time this season and either Howard or Allar significantly exceeds expectations, the Steelers will continue to face a clear need at the position. This mock draft illustrates how Pittsburgh could choose to address that need aggressively.

Pittsburgh Steelers take another QB named Drew in super early 2027 mock draft

Pittsburgh Steelers

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2027 1st Round Pick (Number 8 Overall)

Carolina Panthers

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2027 1st Round Pick (Number 14 Overall)

2027 2nd Round Pick (Number 46 Overall)

Odds are the Steelers would need to trade up in the first round to have a realistic chance at landing one of the top quarterback prospects. In this scenario, they find a suitable trade partner in the Carolina Panthers, who already have Bryce Young established as their franchise centerpiece. Overall, the cost of the trade is reasonable, though in reality, Pittsburgh could be required to pay more.

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Drew Mestemaker

Quarterback

Round 1 | Pick 8 (via CAR): Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

After trading up in the first round, the Steelers select Drew Maestemaker with the eighth overall pick. He is an intriguing prospect coming off a breakout season at North Texas. It marked his first year as a full-time starter, and it turned out to be an excellent decision for the Mean Green. Mestemaker led the team to a 12–2 record while putting up impressive production across the board.

He transferred to Oklahoma State, where he will have the opportunity to emerge as one of college football’s top gunslingers.

Mestemaker has a strong opportunity to climb quickly within this draft class, thanks in large part to his elite physical traits at the position. While he is not known as a dynamic runner, he profiles as the type of quarterback Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy would be eager to develop. Mestemaker possesses all the tools necessary to succeed against higher-level competition.

Selecting Mestemaker this early in a mock draft could ultimately age poorly if he fails to translate his success with the Mean Green to Oklahoma State.

If he struggles to rise to the occasion against stronger competition, his draft stock could take a significant hit. However, in this scenario, Mestemaker excels with the Cowboys and solidifies himself as one of the top pocket passers available in the 2027 NFL Draft.