Tigers Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 18, LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. October 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.Syndication: The Daily Advertiser
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals seemed wired to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL draft. To achieve that goal, the Cardinals will likely need to trade up from their 2nd round pick, 34th overall, into the 1st round to take the 23-year-old. Simpson is projected to be a late first-round, possibly second-rounder, and Arizona could take the risk of just hoping he falls to it if a trade can formulate.
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However, if a take selects the Crimson Tide QB, there are still plenty of options for general manager Monti Ossenfort to look at in this year’s class. ESPN Jordan Reid ranked the quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL draft, and outside of Fernando Mendoza and Simpson, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier ranks as the best.
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) of LSU throws during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Reid on Nussmeier’s strengths that the Cardinals will look at ahead of NFL Draft:
“Nussmeier primarily operates from the pocket and plays with fearless anticipation. He throws accurately to spots in the intermediate game while showing an excellent gauge on route depth and where his receivers will finish on passing concepts. Nussmeier has a flexible arm, allowing him to easily alter his arm slots and ball trajectories to fit passes into spots. He navigates the pocket well, is aware of outlets and gets the ball out of his hand quickly.”
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) scrambles with the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
In 2024, Nussmeier threw for over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns and looked primed to be a locked to be the best QB in his draft class. Injuries would derail that dream, as patellar tendinitis limited him to nine games in 2025. Nussmeier only threw for 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. If the Cardinals don’t want to take a risk with the injuries the next best option is Miami’s Carson Beck.
Projected to be a late Day 2/early Day 3 guy, same as Nussmeier, Beck is one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the draft. Beck’s 3,813 passing yards and 30 touchdowns are stellar to look at, but 12 interceptions and his overall inconsistency makes teams hesitant to take the 23-year-old. The talent is obvious, but his ability to grow into something different once he reaches the NFL is questionable.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (QB02) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cardinals could go on the opposite end of the spectrum from Simpson and select Penn State QB Drew Allar. He has played in 45 games overall during his collegiate career, most notably his junior season throwing for 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Allar threw only 13 interceptions during his four-year career at Penn State, highlighting his decision making.
Injuries to his senior year limited the 22-year-old to six games and his draft stock to plummet. While his accuracy is in question by Reid and other experts, if the Cardinals still haven’t selected a QB by Day 3 of the NFL draft, Allar could be a low-risk, high reward selection in Mike LaFleur’s system.
Experts believes Cardinals should pass on Francis Mauigoa third overall in 2026 NFL Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
