LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Emerges as Potential Cardinals Draft Target

Analyst Dane Brugler suggests Nussmeier as a mid-round QB option for Arizona

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:42pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the throwing motion of a quarterback, with sharp planes of purple and gold breaking down the action into an abstract, multi-perspective view.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's throwing motion captures the dynamic energy and complexity of the NFL draft process.Indianapolis Today

The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to top quarterback prospect Ty Simpson, but NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler believes LSU's Garrett Nussmeier could be another intriguing option for the team in the mid-rounds. Nussmeier, who is expected to be a Day 2 pick, has impressed with his arm talent and processing ability, making him an attractive target for the Cardinals as they look to find Kyler Murray's long-term replacement.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have a need at quarterback after failing to secure a long-term solution in free agency. Nussmeier could provide them with a cost-effective option to develop as a potential starter, without requiring them to trade up in the draft to select a top prospect like Simpson.

The details

Brugler highlighted Nussmeier's strengths, noting his 'command' of the offense and ability to 'distribute the football all over the field.' While Nussmeier is not viewed as a first-round talent like Simpson, his upside as a mid-round pick could make him an appealing target for the Cardinals as they look to address the QB position.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in just under two weeks.

The players

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback prospect from LSU who is expected to be selected in the third or fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ty Simpson

A top quarterback prospect who has been linked to the Arizona Cardinals, but may require the team to trade up in the draft to select him.

Kyler Murray

The current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, who the team is looking to replace with a long-term solution.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who will be tasked with developing the team's next quarterback.

Dane Brugler

An NFL draft analyst for The Athletic who provided analysis on Garrett Nussmeier as a potential option for the Cardinals.

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What they’re saying

“He's the type of quarterback that'll throw into games and throw you out of games. That's why we're talking about him as a third- or fourth-round pick and not a first-round pick like we thought he potentially could have been over the summer.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

“There's a lot to like about his command, the way he operates and his ability to distribute the football all over the field. If you're looking for someone realistically who can start games for you, I think Garrett Nussmeier would be in that mix.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in just under two weeks, where the Cardinals will have the opportunity to select Garrett Nussmeier or other quarterback prospects to address their long-term needs at the position.

The takeaway

The Cardinals have a critical decision to make at quarterback in the upcoming draft, with Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier emerging as potential options. While Simpson may require the team to trade up, Nussmeier's expected draft position in the mid-rounds could provide the Cardinals with a cost-effective option to develop as a potential starter, without sacrificing their ability to address other needs in the 2027 draft class.