Garrett Nussmeier — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

It's unclear what will happen with Derek Carr's (shoulder, contract) remaining tenure in the Crescent City, but it appears the Saints would like to move on sooner than later. Will the Saints double-dip to begin Kellen Moore's tenure with Nussmeier, whose father (Doug Nussmeier) is the Saints' offensive coordinator or wait for a shot at Arch Manning in 2027?

Nussmeier will be 24 as a rookie, weighs only 200 pounds, and four multi-interception games within a five-game stretch in the middle of the 2024 season highlights the risk of his gunslinger mentality. That said, he has the sound mechanics and football IQ you'd expect from a coach's son (in this mock, uniquely) with the arm talent to test tight windows as well as throw with accuracy and touch and the ability to make plays on the move.

The Rams secured a second first-round pick as part of their trade with the Falcons, who moved back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select James Pearce Jr. at No. 26 overall. Matthew Stafford is the present, but the 'Will he, won't he?' retirement rumors will annually persist until he does call it a career. Nussmeier has a strong arm and had been playing at a high level during portions of last season. The Tigers loaded up with pass catchers and are looking to push the ball downfield. Nussmeier is the son of the Saints offensive coordinator.

Here's Matthew Stafford's heir apparent. Stafford will turn 38 before the 2026 season, so this is a great spot for the Rams to pick Nussmeier, whose 79.1 QBR ranked 11th in the FBS in 2024. Nussmeier's arm is more flexible than powerful, and his anticipation skills result in some of the most exciting throws I've seen on tape. Interceptions are an issue -- he threw multiple picks in four games last season -- but he could be a first-round pick if he cleans those up.

The Rams traded back in Round 1 this year in order to stock up in case aging QB Matthew Stafford tries to hold the franchise ransom and demand a trade again next offseason. The son of QB Coach and former Dallas Cowboys backup Doug Nussmeier, Garrett (6-2, 200 pounds) is a polished pocket passer who posted a superb 83rd percentile offensive grade without the benefit of play-action last year, the top mark among returning FBS signal callers.

There's a nonzero chance that the Saints would look to trade up to the top pick if native son Arch Manning enters the draft, but should that scenario not come to pass, Kellen Moore can still land a true franchise quarterback from just up the road in Nussmeier (whose dad just happens to be the team's offensive coordinator).

The Steelers might still be looking for a long-term option at quarterback a year from now. Had Nussmeier bypassed his senior year at LSU, teams believe he could have been the second quarterback drafted in this past class.

The Rams appear set at quarterback with Matthew Stafford returning, but GM Les Snead is too savvy to allow a talented young signal-caller to slip by with his starter taking things year by year. Nussmeier isn't the flashiest quarterback — possessing less than ideal size and arm strength — but he is a natural passer, showing the anticipation, accuracy and awareness of bodies around him in the pocket to project as a future NFL starter.

This goes a lot further than the local connection. Not only was Nussmeier's father, Doug, a fourth-round draft pick of the Saints in 1991, he's also the team's newly hired offensive coordinator under first-year coach Kellen Moore. The younger Nussmeier defies the typical characterization of a coach's son at quarterback, as he whips passes into tight windows with daredevil decision-making. Even though New Orleans took a shot on Tyler Shough in the second round, it might take a superlative performance from the Louisville passer to extend the team's streak of not taking a first-round quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971. Nussmeier can be the catalyst New Orleans needs as it embarks upon a long-awaited rebuild.