The Mahomes Lab: Chiefs Swipe LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in Seventh-Round Steal
The Mahomes Lab: Chiefs Swipe LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in Seventh-Round Steal
If you thought the Kansas City Chiefs were satisfied just having the best quarterback on the planet, think again. In the closing moments of the 2026 NFL Draft, Brett Veach and Andy Reid decided to play spoiler, snagging LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier with the 249th overall pick.
This wasn’t just a "best player available" situation—this was a tactical heist. By taking Nussmeier in the seventh, the Chiefs swiped a high-ceiling prospect who would have been the biggest prize on the undrafted free-agent market.
The LSU Pedigree
Nussmeier is the definition of "biding your time." He sat behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels for two years, soaking up the game before exploding in 2024 for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. His 2025 season was hampered by a lingering abdominal injury and a shaky offensive line, which is exactly why he fell into K.C.'s lap.
But don't let the slide fool you. This kid has "NFL arm" written all over him. He’s a coach's son (his dad is Saints OC Doug Nussmeier) with the pocket poise and anticipation that usually takes years to develop.
The Senior Bowl Statement
Scouts wanted to see if a healthy Nussmeier still had "it" after a banged-up final season in Baton Rouge. He didn't just show up in Mobile; he took over. Nussmeier walked away with the Senior Bowl MVP trophy, showing off ball placement and command that made the other quarterbacks in this class look like they were still in JV.
The Kansas City Fit
Let’s be real: Nussmeier isn't pushing Patrick Mahomes for a starting job, and the Chiefs already have Justin Fields locked in as the primary backup. So why take him?
The Developmental Dart Throw: K.C. wants to end the revolving door of backup QBs. They see a kid with foundational traits they can mold in a low-pressure environment.
The "Deny" Factor: Several teams were circling Nussmeier for a post-draft deal where he could compete to start in a year or two. The Chiefs said, "Not on our watch."
The Intangibles
At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Nussmeier might be labeled "undersized" by some, but he plays big. He isn't afraid to test tight windows, and he has a natural feel for the pocket that allows him to deliver strikes from various arm slots—sound like anyone else you know in Kansas City?
Sanchez’s Take: The Chiefs just got a guy who ranked #81 on Dane Brugler’s Big Board with the 249th pick. That is called a value win. Nussmeier has the toughness and the bloodlines to be a long-term fixture in an NFL locker room. He gets to learn from Mahomes and Reid without the pressure of having to save a franchise. If he gets healthy and polishes his decision-making, the Chiefs just found their backup of the future for the price of a late-round flyer.
