Carson Beck, the starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, has announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This announcement came just before Georgia’s Sugar Bowl matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While Beck’s decision to leave college early has sparked significant discussion, it has not been well-received by all NFL scouts and analysts.
Todd McShay and NFL Scouts Critique Beck’s Decision
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay did not shy away from expressing his disapproval of Beck’s decision during his podcast, The McShay Show. McShay said, “Carson Beck made a bad decision to leave early,” and revealed feedback from NFL scouts, one of whom described the decision as “foolish.”
McShay acknowledged Beck’s improvement late in the season but argued that he still has more to prove before being ready for the professional stage. “He played great in certain moments,” McShay said. “But he never, this year, played to the level that many of us expected him to play to. I just don’t know that he’s ready.”
Carson Beck’s Mixed 2024 Season
Beck’s 2024 season was marked by highs and lows. Entering the season, he was considered a potential Heisman candidate. However, a stretch between October 12 and November 9 saw him struggle, throwing nine interceptions in that span. Despite the rough patch, Beck showed resilience, improving his play significantly as the season progressed. Over the final stretch of the regular season, he threw 11 touchdown passes without committing any turnovers.
Unfortunately, Beck’s season ended prematurely due to an injury suffered during the SEC Championship game. Before his exit, Beck helped Georgia secure a 22-19 victory over the Texas Longhorns, claiming the conference title in what turned out to be his final college game.
Draft Projection and NFL Potential
Initial projections suggest Beck will likely be selected as the third or fourth quarterback in the 2025 draft class. This positioning could place him as a late first-round pick, but the uncertainty surrounding his readiness for the professional level makes this a risky bet for NFL teams. While his physical tools and late-season improvements are encouraging, the inconsistency earlier in the year has raised questions about whether Beck could have benefited from another year in college to further refine his skills.
A Farewell to Georgia
Despite the criticism surrounding his decision, Beck has expressed immense gratitude for his time at Georgia. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he thanked head coach Kirby Smart, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, and his teammates for their support and guidance throughout his tenure.
“To Coach Smart, Coach Bobo, and the rest of the coaches who were a part of my tenure at UGA, thank you for your wisdom, your unwavering support, and most importantly the time that you’ve sacrificed pouring into not only me but the many others who came before and after,” Beck wrote. He also emphasized the strong bonds he formed with his teammates, describing them as lifelong friendships. “The people in that locker room are what I’ll miss most. I enjoyed every second of being with you guys and love you like brothers.”
The Road Ahead for Georgia
As Beck moves on to the NFL, Georgia will turn to backup quarterback Gunner Stockton to lead the team in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. Stockton, who has been waiting for his opportunity to shine, will have the chance to prove himself in one of the season’s biggest games.
Looking forward, head coach Kirby Smart will likely lean on Stockton or explore other options as he prepares for the 2025 season. The Bulldogs will face the challenge of maintaining their position as a powerhouse in college football without Beck, who was a central figure in their offense.
Carson Beck’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft has ignited debate, with some experts arguing he could have benefited from another year at Georgia to solidify his skills and draft stock. While his late-season improvement and leadership qualities make him an intriguing prospect, questions about his readiness persist. Regardless of these concerns, Beck’s time at Georgia will be remembered for his contributions to the Bulldogs’ success, including their SEC Championship victory in 2024.
As Beck prepares to take the next step in his football career, the spotlight will shift to his NFL journey and Georgia’s efforts to continue thriving without their starting quarterback.
