The Georgia Bulldogs are the top team in the nation once again. They’ve won 34 consecutive games while boasting a 28-game SEC winning streak. Carson Beck bided his time behind Stetson Bennett. Does he have what it takes to be a legitimate NFL Draft prospect?
Georgia doesn’t feel as dominant in 2023, even though they clearly are. They’re outscoring opponents 40.6-15.6 on average. That’s only slightly less of a margin than a season ago. And, they’ve accomplished their offensive feats while managing multiple injuries to running backs, their best wide receiver, and All-World tight end.
Has Beck been what’s kept them afloat?
Carson Beck Was an NFL Player Before 2023
There is no denying that statement is hyperbolic. Beck had only attempted 58 passes before this season. But he displayed innate quarterbacking ability in that small sample that even some of the most talented passers do not possess.
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Beck displayed the requisite arm talent. That was always evident. In fact, he has a snappy release, and he creates torque to generate velocity at a high rate.
It was the way he operated within the pocket that proved special, even while playing in clean-up duty. He consistently showed that he can maneuver the pocket under duress with coolness and efficiency like few can. In that respect, there is a bit of Trevor Lawrence in his game. But that’s about where that comparison begins and ends.
He’s not a great athlete, but he’s quick enough to take the carpool lane when it’s open to him. Beck isn’t a creator, but his arm is malleable enough to make throws on the run.
In other words, Beck is polished in the details, and NFL organizations will adore him for it. But how high could he go, and should he consider declaring after this season?
One More Year?
For all intents and purposes, Beck is a pocket passer. To find consistent success with that profile in the modern-day NFL, one must be an instantaneous processor with consistent ball placement to all three levels of the field.
Early in the season, Beck appeared to suffer from the early-game jitters. He and the Bulldogs offense would struggle early, games would remain close, and then Georgia would pull away in the second half of the game.
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Beck’s struggles were significant. He was scattershot at a level that was not congruent with that of an NFL quarterback. But as the Bulldogs’ season has progressed, Beck has as well.
But he has a decision to make. Does he want to go to the NFL now as the fourth or fifth quarterback off the board in an incredibly talented class, or does he want to stay another season and potentially fight to be the first pick in the draft?
Beck is the exact archetype of quarterback who should legitimately become more impressive the more he sees the field. His mental trigger will improve the more he sees live reps. He’s already become more confident, and with that confidence, he’s become more consistent with his ball placement.
His downfield placement remains inconsistent, and there are still instances where his intermediate placement wanes.
If he continues to hone that mental capacity to the point where quarterbacking becomes second nature, there is no reason why he couldn’t compete at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft class.
But this chapter isn’t complete yet. Beck is an ascending prospect. If he balls out in the College Football Playoffs and is a significant reason why the Bulldogs win it all, Beck could ascend into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Scouting Report
Strengths
- Sequencing when comfortable is beautiful. Eyes, shoulders, and feet remain connected.
- Strong torque generation creates velocity.
- Flashes heady pocket presence and ability to make adjustments to create throwing hallways.
- Comfortable in the pocket vs. pressure.
- Swings head around well on under-center play-action.
- Innate ball placement at times when unbothered by the rush.
- Surprising spring in his step when on the hoof.
- Throws well rolling to left and right.
Weaknesses
- An extra pat on the ball slows down release sometimes (other times not an issue).
- Sneaky athletic but not someone who will be threatening to NFL defenses without a large runway.
- Early-season, early-game struggles were a tough watch.
- Inconsistent placement on intermediate throws.
- Downfield accuracy is too scattershot.
- An inflexible arm means struggling with consistent velocity generation on the move.
- Not often forced into quick-game decision-making. More designed throws behind the line and checkdowns.