Chiefs Draft Garrett Nussmeier: Why the Seventh-Round QB Could Be a Hidden Gem

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The Kansas City Chiefs made a calculated gamble in the final round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 249 overall pick. While the move may have surprised casual fans, it reflects a strategic depth addition for a franchise built to win now—and potentially beyond. Here’s why Nussmeier’s arrival could be one of the draft’s most intriguing storylines.

What Happened: The Pick That Stopped the Slide

Nussmeier’s fall to the seventh round was one of the draft’s biggest surprises. Once projected as a potential Day 2 selection, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound quarterback watched as nine other signal-callers came off the board before him. The Chiefs, never ones to ignore value, pounced when his name remained on the board late in the draft’s final day.

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” Nussmeier told reporters after the selection. “I felt like I was sitting there waiting forever. I couldn’t have been more excited to see that [816] area code pop up.” The 24-year-old’s relief was palpable—his draft-day journey had been marred by medical questions, not talent concerns.

The Medical Mystery That Shaped His Draft Stock

Nussmeier’s slide wasn’t about performance. At the NFL Scouting Combine, medical tests revealed a cyst on his spine that pressed on a nerve, believed to be the source of persistent oblique pain that limited him to nine starts in 2025. While the condition is asymptomatic now, teams likely hesitated over the long-term implications. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that if symptoms return, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure with a recovery timeline of just 2-3 weeks. The cyst isn’t expected to pose short- or long-term risks, but the uncertainty clearly gave teams pause.

For the Chiefs, the risk was worth the reward. General Manager Brett Veach has never shied away from drafting quarterbacks with upside, and Nussmeier’s arm talent and football IQ made him too intriguing to pass up at pick No. 249.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

Nussmeier’s college resume is impossible to ignore. Over his final two seasons at LSU, he threw for 41 touchdowns and 5,979 yards, including a 2024 campaign where he posted 4,052 yards and 29 scores in just 13 games. His career totals—7,699 passing yards and 52 touchdowns in 40 games (23 starts)—paint the picture of a quarterback who thrived when given the opportunity.

Draft analyst Dane Brugler, one of the most respected evaluators in the industry, ranked Nussmeier as the No. 3 quarterback in this year’s class, behind only Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall) and Ty Simpson (No. 13). Brugler’s scouting report highlighted Nussmeier’s “arm talent and command” as “foundational traits that generally translate well to the NFL.”

Football Bloodlines: The Nussmeier Legacy

Garrett Nussmeier isn’t just another prospect—he’s the son of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback and current offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. The elder Nussmeier won the 1993 Walter Payton Award as the top player in the FCS (then Division I-AA) before embarking on a professional career that included stops in the NFL and CFL. His coaching career has spanned multiple college programs and the NFL, giving Garrett a unique perspective on the game.

“I’ve been around football my whole life,” Nussmeier said in a 2025 interview with LSU’s athletic department. “My dad’s been my biggest mentor, but he’s also never let me take shortcuts. That’s something I’ll always appreciate.”

What In other words for the Chiefs’ Quarterback Room

At first glance, Nussmeier’s role in Kansas City seems clear: he’ll compete for the backup job behind Patrick Mahomes, with the potential to develop into a long-term option. The Chiefs have a history of nurturing young quarterbacks—see: Shane Buechele’s growth into a reliable No. 2—and Nussmeier’s skill set aligns well with their system.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn,” Nussmeier said after the draft. “I’m just grateful that I have this opportunity. I can only imagine what it’s like to be in that room with Patrick [Mahomes] and the other guys.”

For a team that’s won three Super Bowls in the last five years, adding a quarterback with Nussmeier’s pedigree and upside is a low-risk, high-reward move. If he develops as hoped, he could become a key piece of the Chiefs’ future—whether as a trade chip or an eventual successor to Mahomes.

Key Takeaways

• Draft-Day Slide: Nussmeier was the 10th quarterback selected, falling to the seventh round due to medical concerns over a spinal cyst.
• Production Matters: Threw for 41 touchdowns and nearly 6,000 yards over his final two seasons at LSU.
• Expert Validation: Ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in the draft class by analyst Dane Brugler.
• Football Pedigree: Son of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback and current Saints offensive coordinator.
• Chiefs’ Upside Play: Joins a quarterback room led by Patrick Mahomes, with potential to develop into a long-term backup or trade asset.
• Medical Outlook: The spinal cyst is asymptomatic but could require a minor procedure if symptoms return; recovery would take 2-3 weeks.

What’s Next for Nussmeier?

Nussmeier will report to the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp in May, where he’ll begin the process of learning the playbook and competing for a roster spot. His immediate focus will be on proving he can stay healthy and absorb the nuances of Kansas City’s offense. If he impresses in camp, he could push for the No. 2 job behind Mahomes, though the Chiefs may also opt to stash him on the practice squad for further development.

One thing is certain: the Chiefs didn’t draft Nussmeier to be a project. With his arm talent and football IQ, he has the tools to contribute sooner rather than later. For a franchise built on winning now, that’s a bet worth making.

What do you think of the Chiefs’ pick? Will Garrett Nussmeier develop into a key piece of Kansas City’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.