Instinctual: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

LSU quarterback (QB) Garrett Nussmeier is one name I expect to make a big leap over the next few months.

He’s been waiting patiently and biding his time behind Washington Commanders’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, QB Jayden Daniels.

Now, Nussmeier is in a prime position for success.

He has stuck with the same system, which is a good decision compared to other prospects who have chased Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.

Background

This prospect is the son of Philadelphia Eagles QB Coach and former NFL QB, Doug Nussmeier.

There’s a real advantage prospects have who have grown up around the game. Knowing what to expect and having the capacity to make the correct decisions in player development is important.

Nussmeier was a four-star prospect (247Sports) in his recruiting class, and outside of mop-up duty and a couple of bowl games, he’s seen limited action.

Here’s a breakdown of his stats over the past three seasons:

2021

• 29 completions
• 57 attempts (50.9%)
• 329 yards
• Two touchdowns
• Two interceptions
• Sacked five times

2022

• 52 completions
• 84 attempts (61.9%)
• 800 yards
• Five touchdowns
• Four interceptions
• Sacked one time

2023

• 48 completions
• 78 attempts (61.5%)
• 591 yards
• Four touchdowns
• One interception
• Sacked zero times

However, now, Nussmeier is the unquestioned starter, and he’s ready to show what he can do when this high-octane offense steps onto the field in 2024.

The Yanish Report

Tall and lean-looking build (6-foot-2, 198 pounds). Plays bigger though. Pocket-passer, but quick on his feet in short spaces —won’t outrun anyone though beyond the line of scrimmage. A classic example of strong mechanics —upper and lower body positions. Sometimes hurried footwork. Active pocket awareness. In tune with on-the-fly adjustments. Quick, compact release. NFL-caliber arm talent jumps off the film. Big-time gunslinger. Overall, he is accurate at all levels of the field. Scans the field with superfast processing speed and gets the ball out quickly. Solid decision-making. Football IQ is off the charts. Coach on the field. One of the smartest players on the field at any given moment. Next-level off-the-cuff improv. Concise leadership with an emphasis on controlling the field. Field general in the making. Innate instincts. Stoic confidence.

For the win

Anytime a player follows a Heisman Trophy winner, like Daniels, there are always expectations. I do not feel this team will miss a beat with Nussmeier coming in. It is only a matter of time before he elevates himself to a Heisman Trophy contender, like his predecessor. The SEC is also ripe for the picking by an underrated player like him.

Nussmeier should be given every opportunity to prove that he belongs atop the college scene ⎯with the absolute command and control that he puts on display.

In the early stages of 2024, Nussmeier is being overlooked by almost everyone —including draft media.

Nussmeier is not a player that I would like to see on the sideline across from me. He is a very cerebral player that makes everyone else on his team better.

My BIG three questions

1. How much will his completion percentage rise as a full-time starter?

2. Can he establish himself enough to prove that he should be QB1 of the 2024 NFL draft class?

3. Will he lead LSU to a shot at the SEC Championship next December?

My 2025 NFL Draft Value: First Round

Would I pick him? Yes (sss)

2023 Game film evidence Michigan (Jersey No. 13)

Grambling

Missouri

Mississippi State

Army

Alabama

Wisconsin

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.