Cardinals Predicted to Replace Jacoby Brissett with Intriguing QB

Tankathon’s latest 2027 NFL mock draft has Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker coming off the board in the second round, at pick No. 12 of the round to the Arizona Cardinals, a projection that puts a high-volume passer in range of teams already treating this season as a bridge.

The Cardinals fit that plan.

Jacoby Brissett is the starter on a one-year deal worth $15.5 million guaranteed. He has completed 82 of 117 passes for 652 yards, four touchdowns and one interception through three games.

On Sunday he was 38 of 52 for 280 yards and two scores in a 36-30 loss at San Francisco. Arizona is 1-2.

Gardner Minshew is the backup. Carson Beck, a third-round pick in April, is the emergency third quarterback. Kedon Slovis is on the roster. Brissett, Minshew and Slovis all hit free agency after this season. Beck is the only quarterback under contract for 2027.

Mestemaker is listed at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds. Tankathon ranks him 43rd overall and seventh among quarterbacks.

The 2026 numbers have climbed since a 24-10 loss at Tulsa. Through four games he is 95 of 141 for 1,271 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, a 67.4 completion rate. He threw for 389 yards and three scores in a 41-24 win at West Virginia.

The signature tape remains the Oregon upset. Mestemaker was 26 of 43 for 317 yards and two touchdowns with two picks, plus 109 rushing yards and the winning score.

“This is the best moment of my life honestly, not even close,” he said after that game.

In 2025 at North Texas he led the FBS with 4,379 passing yards, threw 34 touchdowns against nine interceptions and won the Burlsworth Trophy. His career totals are 6,112 yards, 47 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Arizona released Kyler Murray in March and handed the offense to a veteran on a prove-it contract. General manager Monti Ossenfort has seven picks and a rebuild to finish.

A second-round quarterback would not require trading up for Manning or Mensah. It would give the Cardinals a young starter behind a 33-year-old bridge.

Beck needs snaps before anyone calls him the future. Mestemaker already has 23 college games and a win over a top-10 team. The interceptions and pressure answers are the notes. The production is the pitch.

Tankathon updates after every game and factors team needs. Arizona’s record will move the pick. The quarterback room will not look finished if Brissett walks and Beck is still untested.

Replacement is the word because Brissett’s contract ends in March. The mock has the Cardinals taking Mestemaker before they have to decide whether Beck is ready.