The Pro Day circuit is an important step in the draft process for most NFL draft prospects, but it held even more weight for Garrett Nussmeier.
Finally healthy and with some ample time to prepare, the LSU quarterback put on an impressive showing in front of assorted scouts and team personnel.
“Feels pretty good getting back to being myself," Nussmeier said, "and so it’s been obviously a long process of trying to do that, but feeling great and I felt like today I kind of showed that in a sense, kind of showed who I am when I’m healthy and actually able to throw the ball.”
Click here for the full measurements and workout results from LSU's pro day
Nussmeier complted 69 of 72 pass attempts during his workout to a receiving group that included WRs Chris Hilton, Aaron Anderson, Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas, along with TE Bauer Sharp. What was particularly impressive was the velocity on his throws and his ability to deliver balls off-platform and on-target.
There were a lot of impressed faces in the crowd, none moreso than his father, Doug Nussmeier, who stood about 15 feet from where Garrett was holding his session and looking like he was carrying more nerves than his son.
.@garrettnuss13 was throwing dots all over the field 🐯 @LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/zB2mDjtGNE
— NFL (@NFL) March 23, 2026
Nussmeier has looked stronger and stronger as this offseason process has unfolded, and that's not a coincidence. He said that it was only 9 days before the Senior Bowl that he was finally able to throw without pain, and this process was a lot of reestablishing his mechanics and erasing the bad habits he had developed playing hurt during his final season with the Tigers.
"That’s football," Doug Nussmeier said of Garrett playing through the injury. "I don’t think you were going to tell a 5th-year senior who had waited his turn here at LSU and this place means so much for him and this state, he was going to play with whatever he had until he just couldn’t go anymore, you know, and that's the reality of it, but proud of the way he fought, proud of the way the team fought. Obviously it wasn’t the year anyone had hoped for, but that’s the way it goes.”
It's difficult to project exactly where Nuss will land in next month's draft, but he's looking more and more like the player that many thought would be a potential first-rounder heading into last season.
SAINTS ROLL DEEP
It's not exactly big news, but the Saints were well represented out in Baton Rouge (as they should be). A majority of the front office made the trip up I-10, including GM Mickey Loomis, assistant VP Khai Harley, Pro Personnel Director Michael Parenton and front office assistant Randy Mueller.
Also in attendance was cornerbacks coach Grady Brown, who led defensive backs drills and worked closely with Mansoor Delane, who is expected to be a high first-round selection and could be an option for the Saints at No. 8.
Two notable faces I did not see: Scouting Direction/asst. VP Jeff Ireland and head coach Kellen Moore. The pro day circuit is in full swing and there's a lot of ground to cover. Moore was reportedly in attendance at Miami's pro day on Monday.
HILTON DOES IT ALL
Say what you want about WR Chris Hilton's pro prospects, but you'll never argue he shortchanged this process. Hilton took part in all four major scouting bowls, participated in the majority of field drills at the combine and did the same at his pro day.
He even took part in DB drills, though my wager is that was more about having an extra body to make sure Delane had time to rest in between his reps. Still, it's no coincidence that it was Hilton jumping at the opportunity to get extra work in.
LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton doing DB drills at his pro day pic.twitter.com/sEx4mzwJQY
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) March 23, 2026
Hilton ran a 4.41 to match his combine 40, but did add 4 inches on his vertical leap to a much more impressive 38.5. There are worse things to be than a grinder at the NFL level, and one thing that you can say about Hilton is that he loves the work. That means something to me and I'd wager it'll mean something to teams considering giving him a shot in camp this offseason, too.
SPECIAL TEAMS ACES?
The kickoff is back -- and here to stay. That means every team will be in the market for a return ace (or two). It doesn't mean teams will be dedicating a ton of resources there, but it does mean there are a lot more opportunities to open some eyes if you can contribute in that part of the game.
That's what I see as the most likely path for each of Zavion Thomas, Barion Brown and Aaron Anderson at the NFL level, and in that order. It's difficult not to love Anderson's tape, but the measurables do him no favors. At 5-8, you need to be able to run away from people, and a 4.51 isn't going to cut it. The explosive stats aren't there, either.
That's why Brown and Thomas seem like better bets. Thomas has the elite 4.28 speed that NFL teams will fawn over and he's shown a knack for impressive catches. I'd bet we hear from both of those guys in NFL camps.
LAGNIAPPE
CB Mansoor Delane is about as clean of an evaluation as you'll find at the cornerback position and he erased any doubts about the speed with a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. To me he's a no-brainer top 10 pick and should be in play for the Saints at No. 8. ... Intriguing safety AJ Haulcy didn't participate in LSU's pro day, which I'd classify as a bummer. He's a player who feels like his draft stock could go either direction. He missed the Senior Bowl, but did get in work at the combine. Will that be enough for a team to take a shot at him early on Day 2, or does it drive him down boards? I still like the player, but mystery is never helpful in the scouting process. ... I still don't know what to do with LB Harold Perkins. His 4.4 speed is important because at his size, I don't know how you exist in the NFL if you can't cover in space -- and he simply hasn't excelled in that part of the game. If Perkins lands on a team with a vision for his skillset, I think he's got a chance to be productive, you just don't see a lot of 6-1, 220-pound linebackers at the NFL level. ... West Weeks is in a similar boat, but I can't shake the idea that he's going to be a good pro. You need to be a maniacal worker at his size and I don't think you're allowed at the Weeks dinner table if you aren't that. ... Garrett Nussmeier said he'll be having his draft watch party in New Orleans so that his father can potentially "sneak away" from the team facility and join the celebration after Garrett's name gets called.
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