"I wouldn't be shocked": Insider brings up Cam Ward's projection to highlight Carson Beck's position

On ESPN’s This Is Football, The Athletic reporter Bruce Feldman discussed rising NFL Draft prospects like Carson Beck with host Kevin Clark last week. Among those mentioned for the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming draft, Feldman named Miami Hurricanes quarterback Beck.

Feldman noted that coaches familiar with Beck had considered him a first-round talent before a shoulder injury affected his trajectory. He referenced quarterback Cam Ward as a recent example. Ward wasn't viewed as a top pick a year ago but has made significant progress.

“Last year, at this time, nobody was talking about Cam Ward as the first pick of the draft,” Feldman said. “He went to that system and flourished.”

Feldman said he “wouldn’t be shocked” if Beck followed a similar path and emerged as the first player selected in the next NFL Draft.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if Carson Beck ends up as the first pick,” Feldman added.

Expand Tweet

According to a 2025 mock draft by USA Today, quarterback Carson Beck was projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Before the 2024 college football season, major draft boards and mock drafts consistently listed Beck near the top, with several projecting him as the first quarterback off the board within the top five picks.

Last year, an Associated Press mock draft placed Beck at No. 1, selected by the Tennessee Titans following a projected trade.

What affected Carson Beck’s draft evaluations?

QB Beck (15) walks into Sanford Stadium - Source: Imagn

After a turnover-prone season at Georgia that featured the most interceptions in the SEC, with 12, and a UCL injury that needed surgery, Beck's draft evaluations were affected. CBS Sports had him at No. 55 overall, while some scouts thought a Day 3 selection was on the cards.

The presence of multiple interceptions in single games would throw his draft status into question repeatedly. Some evaluators complimented him for his ability to execute late in the game and keep his composure second half.

While inconsistencies shook his production, projections still list him as a potential first-round draft pick.

Also Read: Arch Manning gets crowned again as Carson Beck finds himself outside best 5 CFB QBs for NFL writer

About the author

Mohammad Asif Ansari is a journalist covering college football and basketball at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Technology and brings four years of experience as an NFL and EdTech writer.

While acknowledging the dominance of professional leagues like the NBA and NFL, Asif is drawn to the raw energy and unpredictability of college sports, particularly football and basketball.

Jalen Hurts stands out as Asif's all-time favorite college player, celebrated for his remarkable success on the football field and impressive leadership skills.

In his reporting, Asif seeks to capture the essence of college athletics, delving into the human stories behind the game. From the trials and triumphs of student-athletes to the strategic genius of coaches like Nick Saban, he strives to paint a vivid picture of the college sports landscape.

Asif ensures that his reporting is both informative and ethically sound, meticulously verifying sources and facts to provide readers with reliable and trustworthy content.

When not writing, Asif practices basic MMA, hones his biking skills and expands his language proficiency in Urdu and Arabic.

Know More

Miami FL Hurricanes Fan? Check out the latest FL Hurricanes depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Bhargav