Being an NFL Quarterback means always being ready for everything that comes at you, whether it be a pass rushing edge defender or preparing to take over for a Heisman trophy winner in your final season, and Garrett Nussmeier has shown that in spades, amongst other traits. Standing 6 foot 2 and weighing 200 pounds, Garrett has the physical traits and appeal of a modern day NFL quarterback. Coming from Lake Charles, Louisiana as a four star recruit in 2021, Garrett was always destined to be an NFL Quarterback as his father (Doug) once was, so it was in his bloodlines.
He saw the field sparingly in 2021, completing 50.9% of his passes, for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns. 2022 saw his numbers increase, including a record setting run in the first half of the SEC championship game, where he threw for 294 yards and 2 touchdowns vs Georgia. In a single half. 2023 saw another highlight, where he lead LSU to a victory over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl game, throwing for 395 yards and 3 touchdowns on 31 completions vs 45 attempts, also earning the game’s MVP award as well. Entering this season, Garrett has some big shoes to fill in former Heisman trophy winning quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, but how does he measure up?
Player Info
Name: Garrett Nussmeier
Jersey: No. 13
Position: Quarterback
School: Louisiana State University
Class: Junior
Height: 6 foot 2
Weight: 200 pounds
Garrett Nussmeier’s Strengths
Garrett’s calling card at the next level will be his elite arm talent. He has the velocity to be able to make all the throws a starting NFL Quarterback should be able to make, as well as he shows excellent touch on his deep ball throws. Garrett also has a very compact and quick release and throwing motion, allowing the ball to come out quickly and jump off his hands, which allows for quick hitting decisions in the pocket.
He also shows an advanced football IQ in reading even the most well disguised coverages, which likely can be attributed to his father teaching him from an early age. He does possess the mobility to get outside the pocket and extend plays, if needed, but most of his damage will be done from the pocket.
Garrett Nussmeier’s Weaknesses
That same arm strength I discussed as Garrett’s biggest strength will also be his biggest weakness, as he sometimes relies too heavily on his arm, throwing balls into tight windows that at the next level are guaranteed interceptions. He has a true gunslingers mentality as a QB.
In addition, his overall footwork both in and out of the pocket could stand to be cleaned up, as some passes have a tendency to sail high or fall short because of the disconnect between his upper and lower body. I’d also like to see Garrett improve his ball security, as there are times where he can be a little careless with the ball, especially as the pocket begins to break down.
Draft Projection
Garrett is currently in a competitive race on my big board for QB3, and is squarely in my top 50 players on my big board. I’d love to see him clean up some of the little things, such as his footwork and mechanics but there is a lot to like from Garrett as a prospect. There are a few really good fits for Garrett in the NFL Draft:
- Los Angeles Rams (should Stafford elect to retire, or if they want to have Nussmeier sit behind Stafford for a year)
- Miami Dolphins (if Tua is unable to return due to injury concerns, Nussmeier would be an excellent replacement in McDaniel’s Offense)
- New York Giants (Nussmeier in Daboll’s offense, coupled with Nabers with his WR1 would be electric)
- New Orleans Saints (this one isn’t as likely, with Carr’s emergence this season unless they sit him until 2026. But can you imagine a storybook ending for Garrett to be drafted by the same team as his father? I can.)
