Will the Cleveland Browns draft LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier? Kelsey Russo of ClevelandBrowns.com wrote about who draft experts and analysts believe the team could take with their second-round pick (39th overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Russo revealed that The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner has the Browns drafting Nussmeier in the second round:
“The pick: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Analysis: Baumgardner describes the need for context when talking about Nussmeier’s 2025 season and the state of LSU’s program. However, when Baumgardner viewed Nussmeier at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, he saw a quarterback that experts expected to see during the 2025 season. Nussmeier finished his collegiate career completing 660 of 1,032 passing attempts for 7,699 yards and 52 touchdowns. He played 40 career games over five seasons.”
Other second-round options that Russo wrote about were Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun, Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, and Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. All of those prospects could be great selections for the Browns. But what about Garrett Nussmeier?
Browns Could Draft QB 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.
Should Nussmeier Be the Guy?
The Browns are always looking for a franchise quarterback. For some reason, they can never seem to find one. They’ve had a ridiculous 42 starting quarterbacks since 1999. Yes, that’s a lot of quarterbacks.
Shedeur Sanders showed promise and had his moments as a rookie this past season. Yet, he might not be Cleveland’s long-term answer at quarterback. For the QB1 spot in 2026, Sanders is expected to battle Deshaun Watson, who likely isn’t the answer, either.
It wouldn’t be a horrible idea for the Browns to draft Garrett Nussmeier. There’s a possibility that he could emerge as the team’s franchise quarterback down the road. The potential is certainly there.
The Browns drafted two signal-callers in the 2025 draft: Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Sanders (fifth round). But just because they drafted two last year, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take one this year as well in Nussmeier. Cleveland just might strike gold by landing Nussmeier. Stranger things have happened.
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