If you've ever wondered what can change in a year, look no further thanCarson Beck.
Entering the 2024 season, the then-Georgia Bulldogquarterback was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and was in consideration for the top-5. Just one season later, that wait is expected to be much longer before theMiami Hurricanehears his name called.
It represents a significant drop in Beck's draft stock, especially since the quarterback class in the 2026 NFL Draft didn't live up to expectations.Fernando Mendozastands alone at the top, with the battle for the second and third-best quarterback being wide open.
Even with that reality, Beck has failed to enter that conversation, according to some experts.
So what happened to the soon-to-be former Hurricane? Here's a look at Beck's NFL draft projection, what caused his stock to crash, as well as some strengths and weaknesses with his game.
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
4. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
11. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
17. Detroit Lions – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
18. Minnesota Vikings – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
27. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
29. Los Angeles Rams – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
30. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
32. Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl
Carson Beck NFL draft projection
Beck projects as a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly.NFL Mock Draft Databasecurrently has the Miami prospect with a fourth-round grade.
It represents a significant drop for the quarterback that previously figured to be a first-round pick, but inconsistency and turnovers certainly didn't help his cause either.
Beck opted to transfer to Miami and play for theHurricanesafter initially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. It came following surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow,
Unfortunately for Beck, his draft stock never recovered from the pre-2024 season hype. Like most quarterbacks, Beck's performance was largely dependent on his supporting cast. His step back in 2025 directly coincided with the loss ofBrock Bowers, who entered the NFL and was no longer able to carry the load on offense forGeorgia. All hope isn't lost, though.
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The quarterback finds himself with a classic case of supply and demand. With options far from plentiful, desperation could factor into the decision-making process for quarterback-needy teams. If someone feels strongly about Beck, that might be enough for him to be taken early than expected.
After a solid season at Miami that almost ended with a championship, Beck could rebound in a big way.
Carson Beck strengths
Size is one of those things you can't teach. Beck fits the prototypical mold of a quarterback, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at about 220 pounds. Of course, there is more to playing the position and Beck does perform better when in a timing-offense.
The Miami signal-caller has proven to be accurate and helped lead the Hurricanes to the national championship game with an offense that found more explosive plays as the season went along. That was thanks in large part to Beck getting the ball into the hands ofMalachi Toney, who was able to do the rest, similar to Bowers during his time at Georgia.
Beck is a quarterback that clearly trusts his playmakers and gets the ball to those players effectively.
Given the type of competition he faced in a conference like the SEC and then the road to the national championship with Miami, Beck is certainly battle-tested.
Carson Beck weaknesses
Turnovers have been a problem for Beck over the last two seasons, tossing 24 interceptions in 29 games. He has also faced questions surrounding his leadership abilities, something that remains important for the quarterback position.
His ability to deal with pressure has been an issue and without elite arm strength, it remains to be seen what the ceiling is beyond a potential backup or spot starter. As always, it will come down to Beck landing in the right spot with the right coaching staff. If that happens, anything is possible.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Carson Beck draft projection: When will NFL teams select Miami QB?
