2025 NFL Draft sees unexpected shake up after once projected first-round QB changes plans
The 2025 NFL Draft just saw one of its most recognizable players shift gears last-minute. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck had previously declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, passing on his last year of eligibility despite blowing out his elbow. Instead, Beck has decided to enter the transfer portal and explore other collegiate programs. On3 reported […]
The 2025 NFL Draft just saw one of its most recognizable players shift gears last-minute. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck had previously declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, passing on his last year of eligibility despite blowing out his elbow.
Instead, Beck has decided to enter the transfer portal and explore other collegiate programs. On3 reported Ohio State and Texas Tech are teams to watch, alongside an obvious Miami connection where his girlfriend plays basketball.
Beck is tied for fourth in our 2025 quarterback rankings with Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart.
The NFL has largely moved away from pocket passers, and it's even harder for those without elite arms to make it work at the next level. Beck played much better in 2023 than in 2024, but the signs were there that he was being overhyped as a first-round talent even then.
It'll be difficult for Beck to be a standout NFL starter unless he can overhaul his reaction to pressure and improve his mental processing. He has to identify coverages almost flawlessly and get a stronger core to drive the ball more effectively. Another year in college could help, but he'll be overcoming an elbow injury that could take 11 months to heal.
Even before the injury, I had Beck falling into the middle of Day 2 as a fringe top-100 pick. I realize I'm likely lower on him than the NFL, but is it worthwhile for Beck to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, return to Georgia for his final year of eligibility, or transfer elsewhere?
I recently dove into Beck's poor play and the drop in his isolated performance from 2023 to 2024. The crux of it was already concerning. But more clarity on his elbow injury is potentially devastating.
It's possible Beck was going to fall to Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the class is weakened by his departure. We barely gave out 10 draftable grades, and four of those were fringe players who will top out as backups. Now, the class is even weaker.
Barring a surprising entry from Drew Allar or Cade Klubnik, Beck's departure leaves this class high and dry after the top five names. It should help Beck in the long-run.
