The abrupt ending to the National Championship game may have been the tipping point for Carson Beck‘s story in the NFL Draft. Once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick after a breakout 2023 campaign at Georgia, the former Georgia quarterback now finds himself projected as a Day 2 pick in most mock drafts.
While his physical traits remain undeniable, the turnover question continues to overshadow him as the 2026 Draft approaches.
Speaking on the February 19 episode of The Triple Option Podcast, Urban Meyer delivered a measured but pointed assessment while asking draft analyst Todd McShay for his thoughts on the Miami quarterback.
“I didn’t like the fact that over his career, he just turns the ball over. I loved the game against Ole Miss. I loved how he improved,” Meyer said.
“But just standing there watching him as a former recruiter and coach, I was blown away by how big he was, how his body looked great… and he finished strong, but quarterbacks who turn the ball over are, you know, they’re a liability,” said Urban Meyer.
Beck’s unflattering label after Championship moment
That label has stuck. After a 2023 season that elevated him into early first-round conversations, Beck followed with an SEC-high 12 interceptions the next year.
His statistical production of 72 percent completion, 3,813 yards, and 30 touchdowns painted a picture of efficiency. Yet in defining moments, his turnovers overwhelmed the résumé and pointed to a glaring weakness.
The Hurricanes opened last season 5-0 with wins over Notre Dame, USF, and Florida. Momentum stalled dramatically against Louisville, where Beck threw four interceptions, including one in field-goal range.
Across his college career, he lost just six games – but in four of them, the final offensive play was a Beck interception with a chance to win.
The National Championship loss to the Hoosiers only highlighted the concern. With under a minute remaining and a title within reach, Beck threw a final interception that sealed the defeat.
McShay has consistently noted Beck‘s improvement, particularly his increased poise in the pocket. Still, questions linger about consistency and decision-making, especially given that Kirby Smart ultimately moved on.
“I’ve had really great quarterbacks. There have been a couple of times when you just don’t trust it. You are paralyzed as a play caller, as a head coach. Because you can’t really go win the game,” Meyer added.
Carson Beck could stay in Miami
In terms of landing spots in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins are approaching a potential quarterback reset. If the Tua Tagovailoa era is nearing its conclusion, this offseason becomes pivotal.
Beyond Fernando Mendoza, there is a lack of top quarterbacks, prompting speculation that Miami Dolphins decision-makers could explore mid-round options.
In a recent mock draft, FanSided analyst Cody Williams projected the Dolphins selecting Beck at No. 87 overall in the third round. It would be a calculated investment instead of forcing a first-round gamble on a candidate like Ty Simpson.
The familiarity with Miami adds intrigue. Keeping a University of Miami quarterback in the city offers some sense of continuity, with fans keeping their support from his college days. Competition could include players like Quinn Ewers, creating a low-risk, high-variance scenario.
Still, drafting a franchise quarterback in Round 3 carries risk, and Beck‘s tape does little to alleviate that feeling. The question for NFL evaluators is whether the unwanted turnover tendency outweighs his better characteristics.
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