The New York Jets are in desperate need of a quarterback. Should they draft LSU star Garrett Nussmeier? Justin Fried of The Jet Press wrote that the Jets could take Nussmeier in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft:
“Nussmeier is a little undersized at just 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, but he’s one of the few quarterbacks in this class with genuine starting-caliber traits. He’s a small gunslinger type without the arm talent of someone like Baker Mayfield, and he already turns 24 years old next week, but there’s a lot to like about his tape. The Jets could look to target Nussmeier with one of their second-round picks at either No. 33 or 44 overall, pairing him with a veteran in the process. He might be a worthwhile QB swing for a Jets regime that is very much on the hot seat entering 2026.”
Nussmeier isn’t expected to be a superstar by any means. But he could be a solid Day 2 pick.
Should the Jets Draft LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the Second Round?
His Career Thus Far
Garrett Nussmeier attended Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. He passed for 3,788 yards and 38 touchdowns during his junior season. In his senior year, he threw for 2,815 yards and 33 touchdowns. Nussmeier received college offers from schools such as Texas, Georgia, Miami (FL), and North Carolina, but he ultimately chose LSU.
In 2022 and 2023, Nussmeier served as the backup to current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. He then took over the starting role in 2024. Nussmeier led LSU to victories over Ole Miss and South Carolina, which were both top-15 ranked teams. He finished the season with 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.
This past season, Garrett Nussmeier went 5-4 with impressive wins over 4th-ranked Clemson and SEC rival Florida. However, he was benched in games against Texas A&M and Alabama, and suffered a mid-season abdominal injury.
Yes, Nussmeier Makes Sense
Last offseason, the Jets signed Justin Fields, hoping he’d emerge as a major contributor. However, the former Chicago Bears and Steelers quarterback just wasn’t the answer. Fields was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor and also dealt with a knee injury.
Fields is not the answer and neither are Taylor and Brady Cook, who started four games for the Jets this past season.
The Jets own the second overall pick in this year’s draft. With that pick, they were expected to take Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Yet, he decided to stay in school. The Jets will have to wait until 2027 to draft a franchise quarterback in the first round. Instead, they’ll likely use the second overall pick this year to draft a defensive player like Ohio State’s Arvell Reese or Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr.
Drafting Garrett Nussmeier in the second round makes sense. Although he’s coming off a disappointing season, he still has the potential to bounce back and become a starting NFL quarterback at some point.
Nussmeier possesses a quick release and is able to throw on the run. He’s also known for putting touch on throws to layer over defenders. So yes, the Jets should consider taking him if they get the opportunity.
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