Georgia quarterback Carson Beck did not have a storybook ending to his college football career, which came to an end with his NFL Draft declaration. He announced that he is taking his talents to the NFL and affirmed his support for Georgia’s upcoming playoff game.
Head coach Kirby Smart reiterated that Beck will remain part of the team during the Sugar Bowl to support his backup, Gunner Stockton, against Notre Dame.
Kirby Smart Provides Carson Beck Injury Update After NFL Draft Announcement
Beck has been an important piece of the QB room since sitting behind Stetson Bennett during the Bulldogs’ two national championships in 2021 and 2022. He impressed when taking the reins in 2023, too, before a lackluster 2024 campaign.
He was expected to be a top draft pick and a potential Heisman contender before the start of the 2024 season; however, multiple injuries hurt his chances. In the final game of his career against Texas in the SEC championship, Beck suffered a UCL tear to his throwing elbow.
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He went to the locker room in the first half of the game and returned for the final play with RB Trevor Etienne for a game-winning 55-yard touchdown. In December, he underwent successful elbow surgery. Beck is expected to make a full recovery before the 2025 season.
“He’s going to join us in the next couple of days down here,” Smart said about Beck on Monday.
“Big thing for him has been a part of his rehab process and what all he’s had to do. He’s had a really tough injury. He needed to get some rehab from people in Jacksonville. He’s got a specialist that has worked with this injury. Brock Purdy had a very similar injury. Nick Mullens, I think [Matthew] Stafford. He had several people.
“So when you talk about his team of people, including the surgeons, he’s had to do a lot of work with that. So he’s been there for Gunner throughout.”
Beck’s 2025 NFL Draft Projection
Carson Beck’s decision amid injury woes has certainly taken a hit on his draft stock.
According to the CBS reports, he could be a Day 2 pick. His stock has declined throughout the 2024 season, though, as he failed to live up to his 2023 campaign. Despite struggling with injuries, Beck still managed to throw for 3,485 yards and score 28 touchdowns, although he led the SEC with 12 interceptions.
Those banking on his preseason pedigree could be enticed by the opportunity to draft him outside of Round 1. But as he recovers from his surgery, Beck will have one more question to answer for potential NFL suitors.