Garrett Nussmeier is officially heading to the NFL, though not quite how many expected. The former LSU quarterback ended up going late in the draft, with the Kansas City Chiefs selecting him with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round. Once seen as a potential early-round selection, Nussmeier’s slide caught attention—but he now lands in Kansas City, where he’ll learn in a quarterback room led by Patrick Mahomes.
Garrett Nussmeier Joins Patrick Mahomes in the ‘Best Quarterback Room in the NFL’
Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach made it clear the team sees value in the selection when speaking to Nussmeier after the pick.
“I know it’s been a long day, but just know that you’re going to head to the best quarterback room in the NFL here,” Veach said in a video shared on the team’s official Instagram. “We’re going to turn this pick in now and make you the newest member of the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Nussmeier will work alongside Mahomes and backup Justin Fields while learning under head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy also referenced his familiarity with Nussmeier’s game.
“Last time I saw you, I was on the opposite sideline at UCLA,” Bieniemy said. “You had a pretty good game against us. I’m very proud of you and looking forward to having this opportunity to work with you.”
Nussmeier Draft Slide and Scouting Reports
Nussmeier entered the draft with higher expectations. According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, he ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in the class.
“His arm talent and command are foundational traits that generally translate well to the NFL,” Brugler wrote.
After missing time during the 2025 season, Nussmeier used the Senior Bowl to reestablish his value, earning MVP honors. Brugler noted he “performed with a level of command and poise that will serve him well in the NFL.”
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel also reacted to the pick on ESPN.
“He was quarterback three in my opinion,” Daniel said. “I thought he was a third, maybe early fourth round pick… it was a shock to me.”
Daniel added that Kansas City offers a strong development environment.
“It’s an ideal landing spot for him with Andy Reid,” he said. “When you go out there, and you learn from Andy Reid, and you learn from Patrick Mahomes… it’s a really good starting point for him.”
Garrett Nussmeier’s Background and Path to the NFL
The newest Chief comes from a football background. His father, Doug Nussmeier, had a professional career and now serves as offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.
Garrett has credited his father as a key influence on his development, according to Brugler’s draft guide.
Although he moved frequently growing up, Nussmeier considers Lake Charles, Louisiana, his hometown. He played high school football in Florida and Texas before committing to LSU, where he spent five seasons.
Now with the Chiefs, Nussmeier is expected to develop behind Mahomes rather than compete for a starting role immediately, giving him time to adjust to the NFL.
Who Is Garrett Nussmeier? Meet the QB Drafted to Join Patrick Mahomes