When Georgia quarterback Carson Beck recently declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, the college football world reacted with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. While many expected Beck to be a key figure for Georgia’s championship-contending offense for at least one more season, his decision to declare early has raised questions. One of the most vocal critics of Beck’s decision is NFL draft analyst Todd McShay, who didn’t hold back when addressing the young quarterback’s choice to leave school for the NFL.
McShay, known for his deep insights into college football and the NFL Draft process, has been a regular voice in discussions about draft prospects and their potential at the next level. His analysis of Beck’s decision has sparked considerable debate, especially as Beck is viewed as a player with high potential but a lot of room for development. In this blog post, we’ll break down why McShay called out Beck, analyze the factors influencing Beck’s decision, and explore what this could mean for both his future and Georgia’s program.
Todd McShay’s Critique: What Did He Say?
Todd McShay is never one to shy away from offering candid opinions, and his comments on Carson Beck’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft are no exception. McShay, who has watched Beck closely throughout his career at Georgia, expressed concerns about the timing of Beck’s declaration, citing several key reasons why the quarterback might have made a “bad decision.”
1. Inconsistent Performance
One of the biggest critiques McShay has about Beck is his lack of consistent performance at Georgia. While Beck has shown flashes of brilliance, there have been games where his performance has been uneven, particularly in high-pressure situations. McShay pointed out that while Beck has displayed impressive arm strength and good mobility, he has yet to prove himself in the same way that other top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class have.
For example, McShay specifically highlighted Beck’s struggles against tough competition in the SEC, where Georgia faced off against some of the best defenses in the country. While Beck has had moments of success, McShay believes that his inconsistency in games that matter most could hurt his draft stock. He stressed that NFL teams often look for quarterbacks who have been battle-tested in high-stakes situations, and Beck hasn’t necessarily checked that box.
2. Lack of Elite College Experience
McShay also took issue with Beck’s relative lack of elite-level experience. Unlike other quarterbacks in the draft conversation, Beck has not been a four-year starter, nor has he been in a position to lead Georgia in a national championship run like some of his predecessors. Though Beck had solid performances for the Bulldogs in 2023, McShay believes that one more season at Georgia could have helped him improve his draft stock.
While many quarterbacks who declare early for the draft have already shown that they can handle pressure, McShay feels that Beck would benefit from another year of development, especially under head coach Kirby Smart. Smart has a track record of preparing quarterbacks for the NFL, and McShay suggested that Beck could have gained more by staying another season, honing his skills, and showcasing his ability in a more experienced role.
3. Stiff Competition in the 2025 Draft Class
Another major factor in McShay’s critique is the sheer depth of talent expected in the 2025 NFL Draft class. With quarterbacks like Drake Maye (North Carolina), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Quinn Ewers (Texas) projected to be top picks, McShay is concerned that Beck’s chances of standing out could be significantly diminished. The 2025 draft class is expected to be loaded with high-caliber quarterback prospects, making it harder for Beck to gain attention from NFL teams unless he makes significant strides in his development.
McShay’s point is that Beck could find himself competing for a lower draft position if he chooses to declare without a more complete body of work. In a draft class filled with players who have been more established as elite quarterbacks, Beck’s decision to enter early might make it harder for him to secure a spot in the first round, or even the second.
Why Carson Beck Declared Early: Understanding His Perspective
While Todd McShay’s criticism is noteworthy, it’s important to consider the factors that led to Carson Beck’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. While McShay has valid concerns, there are reasons why Beck and his advisors might have decided this was the right time for him to take the plunge into the NFL.
1. Confidence in His Ability
Beck is clearly confident in his abilities as a quarterback. Throughout his time at Georgia, he has worked hard to develop his skills and prove his worth as a starter. Despite McShay’s concerns about his consistency, Beck may feel that he has already shown enough to warrant a spot in the NFL. His arm strength, athleticism, and leadership qualities all indicate that he has the physical tools needed to succeed at the next level.
Moreover, Beck may believe that the competition in the 2025 NFL Draft is not as daunting as McShay suggests. While there are certainly other highly touted quarterbacks, Beck may feel that his unique skill set could separate him from the pack and catch the eye of NFL scouts who prioritize different qualities in a quarterback.
2. Potential to Maximize Value
Another factor in Beck’s decision could be the potential to maximize his financial and professional value. If Beck believes that he is ready to take the leap into the NFL, he may view this as an opportunity to secure a contract and get a head start on his professional career. Players often choose to declare early when they feel confident that they will be drafted high enough to secure a lucrative contract and begin their journey in the NFL.
Additionally, the longer Beck stays in college, the greater the risk of injury or a drop in performance. If Beck’s stock remains high enough, declaring for the draft could be seen as a smart move to avoid potential setbacks that might diminish his value for a future draft.
3. Georgia’s Program and Quarterback Depth
It’s also important to consider the state of Georgia’s quarterback room. If Beck remains at Georgia, he would be competing for playing time with a talented group of quarterbacks, potentially leading to a situation where he would have to split reps or face pressure from younger players. Beck may have decided that his best opportunity to play professionally was to make the jump now, rather than risking being in a more crowded and competitive quarterback room in 2024.
What This Means for Beck’s Future
While Todd McShay’s critique of Beck’s early declaration is important, it’s ultimately up to Beck and his team to decide what’s best for his career. McShay’s concerns about Beck’s inconsistency and lack of elite experience are valid, but that doesn’t mean Beck can’t surprise scouts and prove his worth at the next level. There have been many cases of quarterbacks who declared early for the draft and succeeded despite questions about their readiness.
For Beck, his success in the 2025 NFL Draft will largely depend on how well he performs in pre-draft evaluations, including the combine and his individual workouts. If he can showcase his talents and make a strong impression on NFL teams, he could still secure a high draft position.
Conclusion: The Risk and Reward of Beck’s Decision
Carson Beck’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is one that will be scrutinized heavily in the coming months. Todd McShay’s critique highlights valid concerns, especially regarding Beck’s inconsistency and lack of elite-level experience. However, Beck’s decision may also be driven by his confidence, desire to maximize his professional value, and the understanding that the longer he stays in college, the greater the risk of injury or stagnation.
Ultimately, Beck’s future in the NFL will depend on his ability to prove the skeptics wrong, rise to the occasion during pre-draft evaluations, and showcase his talent at the next level. Whether McShay’s critique proves to be accurate or not, Beck’s journey to the NFL is just beginning, and only time will tell if his decision was a bold move toward success or a misstep in his career path.