Former NFL GM Assesses Garrett Nussmeier's 2026 Draft Outlook

Mike Tannenbaum cites both upside and concerns for the polarizing QB prospect.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp, angular shapes and planes representing the multifaceted nature of evaluating the position for the NFL draft.Nussmeier's draft stock remains a puzzle, with his raw talent and potential clashing with concerns over decision-making and durability.Indianapolis Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum offered a candid evaluation of quarterback prospect Garrett Nussmeier. Tannenbaum highlighted Nussmeier's accuracy and arm talent, but also pointed to inconsistent decision-making and durability concerns stemming from an injury-impacted 2025 season. Despite the questions, Nussmeier has remained active in the pre-draft process, conducting workouts and visits with several teams.

Why it matters

Nussmeier is one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2026 class, with a blend of strengths and weaknesses that have made his draft evaluation complex. Tannenbaum's assessment provides valuable insight into how NFL decision-makers are viewing Nussmeier's NFL potential and the factors that will shape where he is ultimately selected.

The details

Tannenbaum noted that Nussmeier's accuracy and 23 career starts are positives, but he also expressed concerns about Nussmeier's decision-making and carelessness with the ball, comparing him to fellow QB prospect Carson Beck. Additionally, Tannenbaum cited Nussmeier's slight build and the abdominal injury that limited him to just 9 games in 2025 as potential durability red flags. Despite these questions, Nussmeier has remained active in the pre-draft process, conducting workouts with teams like the Jets and Rams, and completing a top-30 visit with the Colts.

  • Nussmeier's 2025 season was impacted by an abdominal injury that limited him to just 9 games.
  • Nussmeier is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place next week.

The players

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class who has drawn both praise for his accuracy and arm talent, as well as concerns about his decision-making and durability.

Mike Tannenbaum

A former NFL general manager who provided a candid evaluation of Nussmeier's draft outlook on ESPN's 'Get Up'.

Carson Beck

Another quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, whom Tannenbaum compared Nussmeier to in terms of their similar traits and inconsistencies.

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What they’re saying

“'He's slightly undersized, but he's accurate. Sometimes he makes bad decisions, and he's careless. Similar to Carson Beck. If we can eliminate some of those mistakes, you may have a starter.'”

— Mike Tannenbaum, Former NFL General Manager

“'I have him below Beck because of the size. I'm a little concerned about his durability.'”

— Mike Tannenbaum, Former NFL General Manager

“'I've got Zooms every day. … I'm just grateful to any organization that's going to give me a chance.'”

— Garrett Nussmeier

What’s next

Nussmeier will look to continue impressing NFL teams in the final days leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, as he aims to secure a spot in the league and prove he can overcome the durability and decision-making concerns that have been raised about his game.

The takeaway

Garrett Nussmeier's draft evaluation highlights the delicate balance between upside and risk that NFL teams must weigh when considering quarterback prospects. While Nussmeier's accuracy and arm talent are enticing, his inconsistent decision-making and injury history could push him down draft boards, making his ultimate landing spot a key storyline to follow in the 2026 NFL Draft.