Could Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft Be The QB2?

April 3, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams face a crossroads at quarterback this offseason. Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft buzz swelled when Mel Kiper Jr. picked him at No. 93. That placement ignited debate about whether the Rams truly see him as QB2 or if it serves another purpose.

Analytically, Kiper’s claim reads like a plausible strategy. However, plausibility does not equal certainty. Therefore we must examine roster context, draft grades, and meeting reports very closely. The tone here will be cautious and speculative.

Los Angeles currently has Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett IV listed at quarterback. The team did not add a veteran QB2 in free agency, and top veterans are off the market. As a result, a Day three selection would make sense in roster building terms.

In this piece we weigh Nussmeier’s college production, combine projection, and differing big board rankings. We will ask whether meetings with the Rams indicate genuine interest, or whether they form a smoke screen. Ultimately the goal is to separate informed scouting signals from hopeful noise.

Assessing Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft insights

Mel Kiper Jr.’s selection of Garrett Nussmeier at No. 93 in ESPN’s mock ramped up the conversation. However, the claim needs scrutiny against context and tape. Therefore we look at his LSU production, his 2025 health questions, and what scouts now project. For more on the Rams’ evolving draft posture, see RamsNews.

Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft: LSU production and 2025 health

Nussmeier finished last season with clear-volume numbers in the SEC. In short, he showed arm talent and command while also dealing with durability concerns. Key college stats include:

  • Over 4,000 passing yards in 2025
  • 29 passing touchdowns in 2025
  • 12 interceptions in 2025
  • Projected ceiling as an above-average backup by combine grades

Because he led the conference in completions and attempts, Nussmeier proved he can handle a heavy workload. However, his 2025 injuries muddle projection. As a result, teams must balance upside with medical risk.

Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft: How the Rams might view him

On tape he processes quickly and makes smart reads, which fits a developmental QB2 role. Moreover, the Rams did not add a veteran QB2 in free agency, so a Day three pick becomes logical. Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Network vary widely in their rankings, so the Rams may see value that others miss. For wider draft context, consult RamsNews. Meanwhile, the franchise-level decision may hinge on whether meetings were substantive or merely exploratory. If they want a safe developmental plan, Nussmeier looks like a fit. On the other hand, if they truly covet higher-upside Day two names, the pick could be a smoke screen. For draft board perspective and how late-round values stack up, see RamsNews.

Football field silhouette focusing on quarterbacks
ProspectCollege or ProgramPFF overall rankingPFN overall rankingNFL Combine grade/projection2025 touchdowns2025 interceptionsNotes
Garrett NussmeierLSU93169Ceiling: above-average backup (combine projection)2912Led SEC in completions and attempts; dealt with 2025 injuries
Ty SimpsonNot specified in articleRanked ahead of Nussmeier per PFF/PFNRanked ahead of Nussmeier per PFF/PFNN/AN/AN/AConsidered a higher-upside prospect
Fernando MendozaNot specified in articleRanked ahead of Nussmeier per PFF/PFNRanked ahead of Nussmeier per PFF/PFNN/AN/AN/AListed ahead of Nussmeier on QB boards
Drew AllarNot specified in article96N/AN/AN/AN/APFF lists Allar at 96 overall

Key takeaways

  • Nussmeier shows 4,000 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, so he produced high volume last season.
  • However his PFF 93 versus PFN 169 reveals major board disagreement.
  • Therefore the Rams could view him as a low-risk Day three developmental QB2.
  • Alternatively if they favor higher-upside names, the Nussmeier pick could be a placeholder or smoke screen.
  • In short, discrepancies matter because they change value and roster strategy.

Mel Kiper Jr.’s claim: realistic or smoke?

Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock selection of Garrett Nussmeier forces a clear question. Is the Los Angeles Rams’ interest genuine, or is it a smoke screen to hide pursuit of other quarterbacks? Kiper argued directly: “Nussmeier makes a lot of sense in Los Angeles. He wasn’t fully healthy in 2025, and his play suffered. But the Rams can let him learn behind Matthew Stafford and evaluate him over the course of the year. And putting aside the future for a moment, let’s remember that Stetson Bennett IV is the only other passer on the L.A. roster right now behind Stafford.”

Evidence supporting Kiper is practical and straightforward. The Rams did not address QB2 in free agency. Meanwhile Kirk Cousins is off the market, and Jimmy Garoppolo remains the last realistic veteran option. Therefore a Day three developmental pick makes roster sense. Also, Nussmeier’s tape shows quick processing and pocket timing, which fits a backup-learning role.

However, the smoke screen theory has merit. Teams routinely meet multiple prospects to collect information. As a result, meeting reports can mask true intentions. Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Network disagree sharply on board placement. Consequently, the discrepancy weakens confidence in any single mock claim. If Rams meetings were cursory, Kiper’s projection may reflect roster fit rather than confirmed intent.

In balance, Kiper’s claim is plausible but not definitive. Because of roster gaps and vet options, the pick could be real. Conversely, if the front office favors higher-upside Day two names, the Nussmeier narrative could be strategic misdirection. Ultimately, stronger evidence will come from substantive interview reports and private medical reviews.

Reviewing tape, medical reports, and draft boards, the Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft scenario looks plausible. However, it is not certain.

Moreover, the smoke screen theory remains viable. Teams often meet multiple QBs to obscure true targets. Meanwhile Kirk Cousins is off the market, and Jimmy Garoppolo remains the best veteran option. As a result, the Rams could pick a Day three developmental quarterback or chase higher-upside Day two names.

Front office tendencies will matter. Les Snead has shown a preference for veteran stability in past windows. However, the organization also invests in developmental depth when the roster needs it. Therefore draft moves will clarify whether Nussmeier is a true target or misdirection.

Ultimately the smart stance is cautious. Watch for substantive interview reports and medical updates to confirm intent. For continuous coverage and deeper analysis, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter/X @ZachGatsby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Los Angeles Rams’ interest in Garrett Nussmeier genuine?

The Garrett Nussmeier Rams mock draft placement by Mel Kiper Jr. makes the interest plausible. Kiper cited learning behind Matthew Stafford and roster context. However, meeting reports can mask true intent. Therefore teams may be collecting information or showing real interest. Confirming proof needs medical reviews and detailed interviews.

What did Nussmeier accomplish at LSU?

Nussmeier led the SEC in completions and attempts. He threw over 4,000 yards, with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2025. He showed pocket timing and processing ability. However, he missed time and battled health issues that season.

How do experts grade Nussmeier as a prospect?

Combine grades project him as an above-average backup. Pro Football Focus ranks him near the 90s while Pro Football Network places him much later. As a result, boards disagree on his ceiling and value.

Why might the Rams pick a QB late instead of signing a veteran?

The Rams did not add a veteran QB2 in free agency. Kirk Cousins is off the market and Jimmy Garoppolo remains a limited option. Therefore a Day three developmental pick looks cost effective and roster wise sensible.

If drafted, what role could Nussmeier fill with the Rams?

He could start as QB2 learning behind Stafford. Over time he could become a long-term successor. Alternatively, he might remain a dependable backup. Either way, the team gains depth and developmental upside.