The Miami Dolphins are bringing in a new era. By the start of next season, they will have a new head coach, general manager, and quarterback. However, there is another signal-caller the Dolphins could look to add.
Why the Dolphins Could Look To Draft Garrett Nussmeier Late
Even though the Dolphins did sign Malik Willis in free agency, they could draft LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
This is a very low-risk, high-reward move for Miami. The Dolphins could grab Nussmeier at pick 151 in the fifth round, which is not a high pick. Even if the argument is made that a quarterback is not a need, the Dolphins will pick 8 players before the 151st pick. So, they are not wasting a spot on Nussmeier.
Additionally, the 8 picks before could skyrocket if the Dolphins trade down in the draft, which they could consider as a rebuilding team. Even if they wanted to take Nussmeier in the draft, say at pick 94, they could still fill out their roster pretty well before that.
Nussmeier came into the season with a lot of hype and was projected to be the quarterback number one. However, Nussmeier had a disappointing season, earning a C grade and ranking 110th in PFSN College QB Impact (QBi) metrics.
However, in 2024, according to PFSN’s College QBi, Nussmeier got a B- and ranked 12th. So, there is potential, and Miami could be the spot where he develops that talent.
Miami’s offensive coordinator is Bobby Slowik, who was newly hired. Before going to Miami, Slowik was the offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans. Under Slowik, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a fantastic rookie season in 2023, earning a B- grade and ranking fifth according to PFSN’s QBi.
Stroud and Nussmeier have similar play style profiles. According to PFSN’s Scouting profile of Nussmeier, Nussmeier is like Stroud. “He doesn’t have elite athleticism or creation ability, and his arm is middling. Defying his frame, Nussmeier isn’t afraid to stand in and deliver tough throws under pressure. He’s also one of the most advanced processors in the class, with moments of high-level pre-snap command, anticipation.”
So, since Slowik has good experience with Stroud, a quarterback who excels from the pocket, he could coach Nussmeier well. Nussmeier’s dad also coached football, so being the son of a coach should help.
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Speaking of the coach, head coach Jeff Hafley seems to prefer building his program around competition. So, having a quarterback battle between Willis and Nussmeier could be very beneficial to Miami.
Even though Nussmeier is mainly effective in the pocket, he can do a bit outside of it. Out of his 57 total touchdowns in college, 5 of those were rushing.
Overall, by drafting Nussmeier, both parties benefit. Nussmeier gets great coaching, and the Dolphins get a solid quarterback option.
