The Nuss bus has reached its destination.
The Kansas City Chiefs select LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round (249th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nussmeier battled an abdominal/oblique injury for much of the 2025 season, which was later identified at the 2026 NFL Combine as a cyst on his spine pressing on a nerve.
Before the 2025 season, Nussmeier was projected to be a top 10 pick in this years draft, but the injury held him back tremendously.
He played in nine games, throwing for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, while completing 67.4 % of his passes.
The 2024 season was a different story.
Nussmeier had a breakout season, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, while completing 64.2 % of his passes in 13 games.
Nussmeier will be competing with Justin Fields and Jake Haener as the backup to Patrick Mahomes.
NFL.com analysis about Nussmeier:
Overview
Undersized pocket passer with legitimate arm talent that has not been able to make up for some flaws in his game. Nussmeier is inconsistent diagnosing coverages and working through progressions, which limits his ability to counter what defenses show him. He plays with a gunslinger’s mindset and doesn’t consistently prioritize ball security. He has a compact release and can spin impressive throws from off-platform angles when needed. He will make a throw that makes you a believer in one series, but he often follows that up with a turnover that reignites the doubt. He has adequate mobility in the pocket and limits his sack count. Teams will need to balance Nussmeier’s mistakes and durability concerns against his potential to improve on his LSU output.
Strengths
- Flashes from 2024 offer insight into his potential.
- Impressive arm talent opens up opportunities.
- Able to zip spirals into very tight windows.
- Plays through pain and is tough in the face of imminent contact.
- Plays with an admirable swagger and fearlessness.
- Operational under pressure, with ability to make a play.
- Bounces and climbs to avoid the rush and get to a launch point.
- Takes very few unnecessary sacks.
Weaknesses
- Smaller than average with durability concerns.
- Will force a circus throw when it’s not necessary.
- Disguised coverages will bog down his process.
- Has trouble getting away from predetermined decisions.
- Puts the ball at risk far too often with low-reward throws.
- Shakes off changeups and throws the gas too often.
READ MORE:LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finds a home in the NFL
