Miami QB Carson Beck Aims to Become NFL's Next Capable Backup

Despite limited arm strength, Beck's experience and decision-making could earn him a roster spot

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Carson Beck, a 6'5" quarterback from the University of Miami, is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff Final in 2025 and has the size and experience teams covet, Beck's limited arm strength and occasional lapses in decision-making under pressure raise concerns about his NFL upside.

Why it matters

The Steelers, who hold the 4th overall pick in the 2026 draft, have been doing their due diligence on quarterbacks in this year's class, including a top-30 visit with Beck. While he may not be an ideal long-term starter, Beck's ability to manage an offense and distribute the ball to playmakers could make him a valuable backup at the next level.

The details

Beck, a sixth-year senior, completed 72.4% of his passes for Miami in 2025, leading the ACC in that category. He demonstrated the ability to go through full-field reads and get the ball to his talented receiving corps of Malachi Toney, C.J. Daniels, and Keelan Marion. However, Beck's arm strength is a concern, as he underwent UCL surgery in 2024 and lacks the zip and downfield accuracy teams desire. His decision-making can also be inconsistent, as he threw 12 interceptions in each of the last two seasons.

  • Beck led Miami to the College Football Playoff Final in 2025.
  • He underwent UCL surgery on his throwing elbow in 2024.

The players

Carson Beck

A 6'5", 233-pound quarterback who started three years for Miami, leading the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff Final in 2025.

Malachi Toney

A talented wide receiver who was part of Beck's supporting cast at Miami.

C.J. Daniels

Another wide receiver who caught passes from Beck at Miami.

Keelan Marion

The third member of Miami's receiving corps that Beck distributed the ball to.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who prefers big quarterbacks like Beck.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to evaluate Beck and other quarterback prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

While Beck may not have the high-end upside of some other quarterback prospects, his size, experience, and ability to manage an offense could make him a valuable backup at the NFL level. The Steelers, who are looking to find their next franchise quarterback, will need to weigh Beck's strengths and weaknesses as they consider their options in the middle rounds of the draft.