The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting on Aaron Rodgers to confirm if he’ll be their quarterback next season. This doesn’t mean that they won’t look at Carson Beck, for instance, if he is available in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Steelers new head coach Mike McCarthy said he favors quarterbacks with “big hands and long arms.” Also, he favors floor over ceiling. Hence, DeFabo thinks the Steelers could perfectly target Carson Beck in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This would be a mid-round swing after the Steelers cover their main priorities in the draft. Of course, this wouldn’t jeopardize Rodgers‘ spot as the starting QB if he comes back. Beck would be a project to compete with Will Howard for the QB2 spot.
Carson Beck is an aged rookie
Carson Beck didn’t play three years in College Football, as most top-tier prospects do. He played six years in college, so he is now a 23-year-old rookie. Beck played in top-tier programs like Georgia and Miami (FL). With the Hurricanes, he was close to winning the National Championship, but lost the final game in heartbreaking fashion.
Beck is more of a pocket passer than a dual-threat quarterback, but he is mobile enough. Last season, he had 3,813 yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 72.4% completion percentage.
Beck’s draft projection
Beck is projected as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick. Depending on mock drafts, he could go between Round 3 and Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers have Pick 76, Pick 85, and Pick 99 in the third round.
The team also has two fourth rounds with the 121st and 135th selections. Hence, there are plenty of windows for the team to pick Carson Beck. It will all depend on how their board looks out come Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
