Garrett Nussmeier's NFL Draft Stock: A Tale of Resilience and Potential!
Before the 2025 college football season even kicked off, Garrett Nussmeier was already on the radar as a potential top-tier NFL Draft prospect. However, a challenging year at LSU, marked by injuries, saw his production dip and, consequently, his draft stock fluctuate. But here's where it gets interesting: Nussmeier didn't let that define him. He bounced back with a stellar performance at the recent Senior Bowl, a crucial showcase event, and is now gearing up for the NFL Scouting Combine. As the pre-draft evaluation process heats up, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has weighed in, suggesting that Nussmeier currently projects as a third-round pick.
His showing in Mobile was particularly significant, offering a strong audition for NFL teams as they prepare for the draft in April. Given his background as a coach's son, it's highly anticipated that Nussmeier will excel in the interview portions of the pre-draft process. Jeremiah specifically noted that Nussmeier's performance in Mobile was a "nice, nice rebound" after a tough season. He believes Nussmeier has third-round potential, a sweet spot that feels right for his skillset. However, Jeremiah also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the draft, hinting that elevated performances could potentially push him into the second round.
And this is the part most people miss: Jeremiah elaborated on Nussmeier's unique abilities, highlighting his compact delivery, his comfort in climbing the pocket, and his effectiveness even when lacking significant foot space. For a quarterback standing at just 6-1, it's impressive how he avoids playing small in crowded situations. He's described as incredibly tough and possessing plenty of arm talent.
During his injury-affected 2025 season, Nussmeier managed to throw for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. This was his final year at LSU, following a remarkable 2024 redshirt junior season where he threw for an impressive 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 12 picks. Nussmeier also demonstrated his toughness throughout his collegiate career, a trait that Jeremiah observed firsthand at the Senior Bowl, even amidst the frigid conditions in Mobile.
Interestingly, Jeremiah drew a comparison between Nussmeier and Andy Dalton. For context, Dalton was a second-round selection who went on to have a substantial 15-year NFL career. This comparison further fuels the possibility of Nussmeier hearing his name called in the earlier rounds of the draft. Jeremiah reiterated, "Somebody does that in the second round, I kind of compared him earlier to Andy Dalton. And that’s where he came off the board."
What do you think? Does Nussmeier's resilience and skillset warrant a second-round projection, or is a third-round selection a more realistic expectation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
