LSU's Garrett Nussmeier Reportedly Has Cyst on Spine, Impact on NFL Draft Stock Revealed

Pre-draft physicals revealed LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has a cyst on his spine, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

It appears the problem is much less serious than it sounds.

"The cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier's oblique," Pelissero said. "He has been asymptomatic since just prior to the Senior Bowl and all throughout the draft process; if that changes down the road, Nussmeier could undergo a minimally invasive procedure and miss just 2-3 weeks while stitches heal."

Doctors don't foresee Nussmeier to be at any major risk in the short or long terms.

This could help to explain why Nussmeier's performance fell so short of expectations during his final year with the Tigers. In nine appearances, he threw for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Coach Brian Kelly told reporters in September that Nussmeier was battling a torso injury, and he came into the year experiencing some patellar tendinitis.

Pinpointing a root cause for his on-field issues might actually boost Nussmeier's stock a bit. He could be further helped by the fact the procedure to address the problem would be "minimally invasive."

Garrett Nussmeier highlights

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Nussmeier is the No. 107 overall player and fourth-ranked quarterback on Bleacher Report's final big board. B/R NFL scout Dame Parson compared him to San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy.

"Accuracy, ball placement, and anticipating throws are his A-traits," Parson wrote. "Nussmeier sees the field well and delivers accurate passes at all levels of the field. When kept clean, he places the football precisely where his receiver needs it."

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is head and shoulders above his peers at the position this year. Nussmeier is firmly in the group of prospects who could be late Day 2 or early Day 3 selections.