It's official. Carson Beck is going to suit up for the Miami Hurricanes. The Georgia quarterback is rehabbing from ulnar collateral ligament surgery. As per Pete Thamel and Max Olson from ESPN, he wouldn't be drafted very high since he can't throw until March (at the earliest.) He did declare for the NFL Draft, but was able to retain his amateur status.
Cam Ward did the same thing before this past season. The decision was right because now he will be picked in the Top 5 this April. Last year, he would've been a second-day pick. Bleacher Report's scouting report listed a few negatives that Carson Beck can improve upon in practice, which will be something for Miami fans to keep an eye on.
Go Canes 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VPRLm3dKUH
— CB (@carsonbeck01) January 10, 2025
Beck's efficiency against pressure packages got worse this past season, while his accuracy and ball placement when rushed weren't great. Plus his decision making was poor when defenders were closing in to get him. Beck was projected to be picked between the first and third rounds. The possible contract amounts vary widely in this range.
At Miami, by the end of the season, he should be an expert at making decisions on the run. His draft status is affected by this weakness. He has a terrible label of "operates within the confines of the game plan," i.e. "game manager." Brad Kaaya and Stephen Morris would've benefited by staying in Miami or transferring.
Will Carson Beck be able to live up to expectations with Miami in 2025?
Beck is only 23 and the decision to return to school reverses an important trend from the last 20 years. Because of the transfer portal and NIL deals, college players can get needed advice to return to school to improve their draft stock. Players could either return to the same school or go to another program, but they stay.
By the end of next season, Beck's effort and commitment could have him in Heisman consideration like Ward. He'd lead the team to wins based on plays he made out of the pocket under pressure. He would erase any label of "game manager." Wishful thinking aside, Miami benefits again from the transfer portal at quarterback.