Summer scouting is back, and Drew Mestemaker is the kind of quarterback who can make a file worth opening early. The Oklahoma State passer already gives evaluators something to work with: arm talent, toughness, and enough mobility to keep defenses honest.
The numbers heading into 2026 tell the story of a young starter still building his resume. Mestemaker has 15 starts, 509 pass attempts, 4,481 passing yards, and a 9.5 yards per attempt mark. On the PFF side, he’s posted 25 big-time throws, a 2.9 turnover worthy play rate, an average depth of target of 8.3 yards, and a 77% adjusted completion percentage.
What stands out first on film is the zip. Mestemaker can really drive the ball, and there are moments where the velocity jumps off the screen.
He’s also capable of creating with his legs, and he doesn’t hesitate to make quick decisions. Add in the fact that he plays with an edge and can work every level of the field, and there’s a lot to like.
At the same time, this is still a quarterback who looks like a first-year starter. The rough edges are there. He’ll miss some throws high or low, and the film makes it clear he still needs more reps and more experience before everything starts to slow down.
That’s why the long view matters here. Mestemaker has already flashed enough promise to get attention, but the expectation is that he’ll look different by the end of the 2026 season - more polished, more complete, and the kind of player the NFL will be watching closely.
In Other News...
Buccaneers Line Just Got The Kind Of Praise Fans Didn't Expect
For a unit that spent much of 2025 dealing with moving parts, the Buccaneers offensive line is suddenly getting a lot more respect than many expected. Sharp Football Analysis slotted Tampa Bays front among the leagues best, a nod that says as much about the talent up front as it does about how well the group held together through all the disruption. Tristan Wirfs remains the anchor, and the rest of the projected core with Luke Goedeke, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson gives the Bucs a foundation they can build around.
The bigger question now is whether that praise holds up once the season starts and the line is asked to stay healthy long enough to settle in. Tampa Bays offense has been at its best when the protection is clean and the run game has some balance, so the health of this group looms as one of the most important storylines on the roster. If the Buccaneers can keep their front intact, this could be one of the reasons the offense takes another step. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Tight End Enters Camp With His Future Suddenly At Stake
Payne Durham is heading into his fourth training camp with the Buccaneers in a very different spot than when he arrived. The tight end room is thin, which gives him a real chance to stay in the mix, but his role has been shrinking and the team has not gotten much offensive return from his presence as a blocker.
Durham will get his chance to answer those concerns in camp and preseason, where every rep matters for a player trying to hold onto a job. With Cade Otton, Ko Kieft and two rookies also in the picture, Tampa Bay has options at the position, and Durhams path forward depends on whether he can do enough in the coming weeks to keep himself relevant. [Read more 🡒]