When asked about Beck’s role, Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort said “We just announced his name [Beck] about a half hour ago. We just want to get him in the building. We’re excited to have great competition in that room and we’ll see how it shakes out.”

New head coach Mike LaFleur also spoke on the matter with kind of a similar message. “It benefits anyone at any position to be able to sit back. Sometimes guys don’t have a choice because you have to put your best 22 on the field, so we’ll see where this all shakes out.”

Carson Beck compared to Jacoby Brissett

While the comparison is tough to make since Beck hasn’t played a single snap in the NFL, styles are different. Brissett offers reliable, short-term stability as a seasoned starter, while Beck represents a high-ceiling prospect for the future.

Brissett is looking to get a new contract that resembles a payout for a starting quarterback. However, according to the general manager and head coach, he is not the starter anyway. Hence, if he wants a new contract, then he also needs to beat everyone in the QB room.

There’s a third wheel willing to play spoiler

While the narrative goes with Brissett and Beck, a certain Gardner Minshew could very well compete with both of them. Minshew has a 17-30 record, while Brissett has a 20-45 record. Minshew has a better completion percentage, passer rating, more pass yards per attempt and yards per game than Brissett.

Also, Brissett has 76 touchdowns to Minshew’s 68, but it’s eight touchdowns in 18 more games. Hence, Minshew is very well in the mix to become the starting QB, as his numbers are better than Brissett’s, and he beating Beck could be very much in the table.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, several teams are keeping a close eye on Arizona as a “potential landing spot” for Beck, noting that the Cardinals are actively looking to trade back. However, Schultz emphasizes that the QB is far from a “lock” to land in the NFC West just yet.

Beck is one of 19 quarterbacks available for tonight’s action. While he may not boast the highest analytical rating in the class, his extensive experience at the high-major level could make him a high-value target for the Cardinals, or any franchise hunting for a potential cornerstone under center.

Some analysts missed the mark on Beck

Several Draft experts and a wave of analysts projected Beck as a Day 1 pick, but that ultimately failed to materialize. This includes Tom Pelissero, who, while acknowledging a second-round landing spot was probable, held a lingering belief that Beck could have snuck into the first round.

Among the most high-profile mock drafts leading into Round 2, Jacob Camenker of USA TODAY actually has Beck sliding out of the second round entirely. Camenker expects him to be off the board in the third round, potentially staying in Miami to play for the Dolphins, a team currently in the market for fresh talent at the position.

Beck’s final campaign at Miami was every bit as impressive as his tenure at Georgia. While a national title eluded him, he posted career-highs with the Hurricanes in touchdowns, completions, and games played (16). He also turned in his second-best statistical year in terms of production, racking up 3,813 passing yards.

With a reported NIL valuation peaking at over $1.5 million according to On3, Beck’s financial success in college mirrored his on-field production. His ability to navigate high-pressure environments at both Georgia and Miami has several QB-needy teams eyeing him as a Day 2 steal.

Garrett Nussmeier follows closely as a high-upside passer who proved his worth in LSU’s explosive offense. His quick release and fearless vertical shots kept the Tigers in the SEC hunt, showcasing the arm talent necessary for modern NFL schemes.

Quarterbacks available for the second round

Cade Klubnik is another massive name on this list, entering the pros with a Clemson pedigree and an NIL valuation once estimated near $1 million. His mobility and experience in big-game atmospheres provide a unique floor for NFL teams looking for a dual-threat backup.

Drew Allar brings the “prototypical” NFL frame at 6’5″, having led Penn State with an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. While his consistency wavered, his raw arm strength remains one of the most intriguing tools available in this class.

Diego Pavia and Taylen Green represent the ultimate “gamers” of the group, known for their ability to scramble and extend plays under pressure. Pavia’s legendary toughness at Vanderbilt and Green’s elite size make them prime candidates for creative offensive coordinators.

Joey Aguilar and Luke Altmyer provide additional depth, both coming off productive seasons where they eclipsed the 3,000-yard passing mark. Their ability to read defenses pre-snap suggests they could transition quickly to a professional playbook.

Cole Payton of North Dakota State adds a small-school intrigue, carrying the tradition of athletic Bison quarterbacks into the draft. His efficiency in the run game and red-zone decision-making could see him rise during the final hours of the draft.

Unlike previous drafts, quarterback is not a pressing need across the league. That reality has pushed a number of talented prospects into Day 2, creating potential value picks for teams willing to wait. For front offices, the question is no longer about urgency, it’s about opportunity.

A handful of teams could still be in the market. The Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers all have varying degrees of uncertainty at the position. Whether it’s long-term planning or depth concerns, each could justify taking a quarterback if the value aligns.

Top QB prospects still on the board for Round 2 in 2026 NFL Draft

Carson Beck enters Day 2 as one of the most polished passers available. The Miami product offers prototypical size, pocket presence, and a calm decision-making style that could translate quickly at the next level. He may not carry elite athletic upside, but his floor makes him an appealing option for quarterback-needy teams. A proven ‘veteran’ in college.

Garrett Nussmeier from LSU brings a different profile. More aggressive, more willing to push the ball downfield, and capable of creating explosive plays. That play style comes with risk, but in the right system, it could unlock high-end production. Teams looking for upside may view him as one of the most intriguing names still available. A year ago, he was seen as a Top 10 pick.

Drew Allar of Penn State remains a fascinating case. Once viewed as a potential first-round talent, his slide into Day 2 reflects inconsistency rather than lack of ability. With his arm strength and physical tools, Allar still offers significant upside for a team willing to develop him. The Steelers could be the team to watch here.

Cole Payton from North Dakota State represents the classic sleeper. Coming from a smaller program, he may not have faced elite competition weekly, but his versatility and athleticism stand out. He could appeal to teams looking for a developmental quarterback with dual-threat potential.

Taylen Green of Arkansas rounds out the group as perhaps the most dynamic athlete among the available quarterbacks. His mobility and playmaking ability make him an intriguing modern option, though refinement as a passer will be key to his long-term success.

Potential fits and what comes next

For the Arizona Cardinals, adding a young quarterback could be about securing depth and future flexibility. The New York Jets may also explore options, especially if they’re not fully settled long term at the position. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns continue to operate with uncertainty at the QB position, making a Day 2 selection a logical move.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a more subtle candidate. While not an immediate necessity, the situation could shift depending on health concerns and long-term planning. That makes a developmental prospect an option worth considering. Right now, they just have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as Aaron Rodgers hasn’t said anything.

Ultimately, this isn’t a quarterback-heavy draft in terms of demand, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. With less pressure and more talent available than expected, Day 2 could deliver surprising value. The teams that capitalize may not make the loudest headlines now, but they could end up making the smartest decisions in the long run.

• QB Carson Beck
• QB Drew Allar
• QB Garrett Nussmeier
• RB Mike Washington
• WR Denzel Boston
• WR Antonio Williams
• WR Zachariah Branch
• WR Germie Bernard
• WR Ted Hurst
• TE Eli Stowers
• OL Chase Bisontis
• OL Gennings Dunker

Beck should appeal to coaches looking for a high-end game manager for the QB1-QB2 role. The 6-foot-4, 233-pounder logged 43 starts in six college seasons, displaying pinpoint accuracy and touch as a rhythm passer from the pocket.

What positions Beck as a good prospect

Beck routinely delivered in big moments for Miami and Georgia, and those winning plays should translate into solid late-game play as a pro. With a polished game that had been honed in pro-style offensive schemes, particularly his ability to operate from under center and execute various play fakes, Beck is prepared and ready to make his mark at the next level.

What is coming on day 2

In the NFL Draft, we saw trades between division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, pulled one off, as did the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots. Ty Simpson came off the board much earlier than anyone anticipated, and 32 players began their NFL journeys.

However, there were still six more rounds remaining, with over 200 players yet to be drafted. That meant there was a lot of talent left on the board. That started with Jermod McCoy, considered one of the top cornerbacks in the entire draft. But McCoy faced serious injury questions in the past few days, stemming from an ACL surgery prior to this season.

Other top talents included Washington WR Denzel Boston, Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who could come off the board early on Friday night.

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.

“Looking back at it, I don’t regret it,” he revealed on a dialogue with Jon Gruden. “Just because of the experiences I’ve been able to have. But again, at that point, I didn’t know what was the right decision.”

He also added: “I thought there was more in the tank. Again, a huge part of it was I wanted to win a national championship. I know that I had two as a backup but I wanted to win one as the quarterback.”

After a great year in Miami, he finally decided to take the most important step in his career. What will ultimately be the destination of the former Georgia Bulldogs player in the NFL?

Beck’s latest numbers in the NCAAF

After transferring to Miami for the 2025 season, Carson Beck led the Hurricanes to a historic 13-3 record and a spot in the National Championship game. He finished the year as one of the most efficient passers in the nation, posting an FBS second-best 72.4% completion percentage while throwing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Despite his stellar individual performance, Beck’s postseason run ended in heartbreak at Hard Rock Stadium, where he fell 27-21 in the final to Fernando Mendoza and the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

NFL Draft projection

Following his strong recovery season at Miami, Carson Beck has solidified his status as a high-floor developmental prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. While he was once considered a potential first-overall pick, most analysts now project him as a Day 2 selection, likely falling between the second and third rounds.

“I have no social media on my phone, so I’m kind of just in my own little bubble. I think it’s better that way to be completely honest, but it’s impossible not to see… obviously, I see it, and it is what it is. People have their opinions, and all I can do is continue to do what I do,” he said, per SiriusXM NFL Radio on X.

The former Georgia Bulldogs player, who most recently played for the Miami Hurricanes and reached the National Championship Game, is aiming to take the next big step in his career. Could he finally be drafted by an NFL team?

Beck’s stellar season at Miami

In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Carson Beck revitalized the program by leading them to a remarkable 13-3 record. Throughout the 2025 season, Beck was a model of efficiency, setting a school record with a 72.4% completion rate while throwing for 3,813 yards and a career-high 30 touchdowns.

In the highly anticipated CFP National Championship against Indiana, Beck showed immense poise under pressure, completing 19 of 32 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. Although the Hurricanes narrowly fell 27-21, Beck’s leadership and precision throughout the year cemented his legacy as one of the most impactful transfers in Miami history.

Criticism surrounding Beck

Carson Beck faces several criticisms as he enters the 2026 NFL Draft process. Scouts have pointed out his limited athletic upside and a tendency to struggle when the pocket collapses, often seeing his mechanics falter under heavy interior pressure. Additionally, while his overall accuracy is high, analysts and pundits have critiqued his lack of elite arm strength on deep balls following his 2024 elbow surgery.

Other quarterbacks to watch in the upcoming Draft

The quarterback class for the 2026 NFL Draft is led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), the consensus top pick after his national title run. He is followed by Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a polished pocket navigator, and Penn State’s Drew Allar, who boasts the highest physical ceiling despite injury concerns.

Rounding out the top tier are the aforementioned Beck and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), a gritty passer known for his aggressive downfield shots.

Geno Smith has made it clear he wants to make things right with the Jets. However, the Jets are still looking for younger options. Connor Hughes of SNY reported that the team tried out Drew Allar from Penn State last week. Allar is recovering from a broken ankle, but seems to be almost ready to come back.

Last Sunday, the Jets also reportedly had some work done with Carson Beck. Allar and Beck are two of the biggest names in the quarterback position ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re projected to go high on the draft, which gives the Jets hope.

Drew Allar’s draft projection

Drew Allar falls into the classic label of ‘Day 2 Guy’. This means he is projected as a second or third round pick. Allar is viewed as a high-upside, though boom-or-bust quarterback. Still, he’s seen as a raw prospect.

He has elite arm talent, size (6’5″, 228 lbs), and he fits the prototypical pocket-passer frame. The Jets could eye him as a possible pick at either the 33rd overall or 44th overall selection. The Jets have no third round pick, so if they want Allar, they must take him in the second round.

Carson Beck’s draft projection

Beck’s projection is similar to Allar’s, meaning he should get drafted in the second or third round according to multiple projections. However, he is seen as a less-upside prospect than Allar, but a more mature one. Beck was the runner-up in College Football last season, guiding Miami to the National Championship, but losing to Indiana.

What this means is that Beck is more polished and “NFL-ready” than Allar, he has a higher floor. However, Allar has a higher ceiling if developed properly. Whether the Jets pull the trigger on one of them remains to be seen, but they should back up Smith, at least in the begining.

The rumors are starting to heat up for two reasons. New head coach Todd Monken said there’s open competition for the QB1 job, and the other is because Monken and Beck go way back, and the relationship might play a factor. Beck himself said it.

When asked if he would like getting drafted by the Browns, Beck said, “That would obviously be super cool. Any team that’s going to draft me, I’m super grateful for the opportunity, but if coach Monken were to be my coach again, obviously I really enjoyed him being my coach at the University of Georgia, and what I was able learn from him there. So, I’d be super stoked.”

Beck had his best college season in 2025

In six college seasons, Beck passed for 11,725 yards with 88 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. He had plenty of ups and downs, hence the six collegiate seasons. Beck acknowledged that, “Obviously, it feels like I was in college forever, but again, everybody’s path is different. I’m truly blessed and grateful that my path went the way it did.”

After spending five years at Georgia, Beck transferred to Miami (FL). He guided the Hurricanes to the National Championship game in a losing effort to the Indiana Hoosiers. Still, he led the ACC in completions (338), pass completion percentage (72%), and passer rating (157).

Beck’s projection for the 2026 NFL Draft

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Beck is ranked 99th on the board. This puts Beck as a late third-round to early fourth-round pick, this also leaves Beck as the No. 6 quarterback in his class.

Shedeur Sanders was scheduled to become the QB1 of the Browns, but Beck’s arrival could make the QB competition all the more wide open. Beck has worked with Monken and that instantly puts him in a good position to compete. Also, second-year QB Dillon Gabriel is also on the roster trying to elevate his stock.

There are a couple of plays Miami can look back on and blame for the 27–21 loss to Indiana in the biggest game of the 2025 college football season. There is no use crying over spilled milk, though, and Cristobal reminded Beck and company of that with his postgame comments. Still, he couldn’t help but feel like the night could’ve ended differently.

“Like to have that last one back,” Cristobal admitted about Beck’s game-sealing interception during his postgame media availability.

“But again, a lot of the plays made throughout the course of the year from the guys up here on stage to the guys in that locker room got us here to this moment and gave us an opportunity all the way to the end. So, proud of him.”

CJ Daniels sends message to Beck

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for Beck. From suffering a UCL injury that had many questioning whether he’d ever be able to throw a football as accurately again, to leading a storied college football program all the way to the national title game. Obviously, the ending is what fans across the nation will remember, but the journey deserves as much recognition.

On that note, wide receiver CJ Daniels voiced a heartfelt comment about his quarterback. “The whole world wrote him off,’’ Daniels admitted. “He got us here.” Beck didn’t quite get to complete his redemption arc, but he put the NCAA on notice, and he now has a chance to make the NFL after showcasing his leadership and skillset in college football’s biggest stage.