Chiefs Land Garrett Nussmeier Late As Draft Slide Ends In Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs made one of the more intriguing late moves of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round. The pick brought an end to one of the most unexpected slides in a class that had once projected him as a potential early-round selection.

At one point viewed as a first-round-caliber prospect, Nussmeier’s stock fluctuated significantly following an uneven 2025 season at LSU. Despite early expectations placing him comfortably within the top 100 prospects, his draft position ultimately fell all the way to No. 249 overall.

The dramatic slide continued until the final stages of the draft, just before the Denver Broncos selected the traditional final pick known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” Kansas City’s decision to step in at that point underscored both opportunity and conviction.

For the Chiefs, the selection is less about immediate impact and more about developmental potential behind established starter Patrick Mahomes.

1. Analysts View Pick As High-Upside Value Selection

The selection of Nussmeier drew attention across the league, with analysts noting the value Kansas City may have secured late in the draft. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel described the pick as a strong use of resources at that stage. Daniel suggested that Nussmeier had been evaluated by some as one of the top quarterback talents in the class, even ranking as high as QB3 on certain boards. His arm talent and ability to operate within structure were frequently highlighted in pre-draft evaluations. Film study from his college seasons at LSU showed flashes of high-level potential, particularly in 2024, where moments of NFL-caliber decision-making and accuracy stood out. However, inconsistency and injury concerns contributed to uncertainty about his long-term projection. That combination of upside and volatility helped explain both his initial draft projection and eventual slide.

2. Chiefs Offer Developmental Stability And Opportunity

Landing in Kansas City presents a markedly different environment compared to many other teams. The presence of Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid provides one of the league’s most stable developmental settings for a young quarterback. Nussmeier is expected to receive extensive practice reps during offseason programs, training camp, and team activities. With Mahomes occasionally managing workload and recovery schedules, opportunities for additional snaps may arise. The Chiefs’ offensive system has historically been favorable for quarterback development, emphasizing timing, spacing, and decision-making. That structure could allow Nussmeier to refine his skills without immediate pressure to contribute in games. Analysts view the environment as one of the most favorable landing spots for a developmental quarterback in recent draft cycles.

3. Long-Term Role Centers On Patience And Growth

Realistically, Nussmeier’s path to playing time in Kansas City is limited in the short term. Barring injury or unforeseen circumstances, Mahomes remains firmly entrenched as the team’s starter. Instead, the focus for Nussmeier will be gradual development and adaptation to the speed of the NFL. Learning the offense and refining mechanics will be his primary objectives during his rookie contract window. Comparisons have been made to developmental quarterbacks such as Drew Lock, highlighting a potential trajectory of growth into a capable backup or situational starter if progress continues. The Chiefs are not expecting immediate returns but are banking on long-term upside if Nussmeier can stabilize his consistency and adjust to the professional level.