Todd McShay Criticizes Carson Beck’s Decision to Leave College Early
In a move that has sparked debate across the football world, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has declared for the NFL Draft, foregoing his remaining eligibility. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay did not hold back in criticizing Beck’s decision, calling it premature and potentially damaging to his future prospects.
“I texted a bunch of guys in the league,” McShay said during a recent discussion. “One scout wrote back to me with a one-word answer: ‘foolish.’” This blunt critique underscores the sentiment that Beck’s decision to enter the draft may not have been in his best interest
Carson Beck stepped into the starting role for the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2023 season, following back-to-back national championship-winning quarterback Stetson Bennett. Despite the immense pressure, Beck delivered a solid performance, completing 67% of his passes for over 3,800 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While Beck’s stats were impressive, they came within the context of Georgia’s dominant system, which boasts one of the nation’s best offensive lines, a deep pool of playmakers, and a defense that consistently puts the offense in advantageous positions.
Even with his success, Beck’s lone season as a starter left questions about his readiness for the NFL. Critics argue that another year in college would have allowed him to refine his game, gain more experience, and solidify his status as a first-round prospect
Todd McShay’s critique of Beck’s decision stems from the belief that the quarterback has untapped potential that could have been developed with another year in college. “He has the tools, no doubt,” McShay said. “But tools alone don’t make an NFL quarterback. Decision-making, leadership, and consistency are critical, and those are areas where Beck could have benefited from more reps.”
The NFL is notorious for being unforgiving to players who are not fully prepared for the transition from college. Quarterbacks, in particular, face a steep learning curve, and entering the league prematurely can stunt a player’s development.
By leaving early, Beck risks being evaluated as a project rather than a polished prospect. This perception could impact his draft stock, potentially relegating him to the middle rounds, where teams are less likely to invest heavily in his development
Had Beck stayed at Georgia for the 2024 season, he would have entered with a full year of starting experience under his belt and an opportunity to address areas of improvement. Under head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Beck could have fine-tuned his mechanics, improved his decision-making under pressure, and enhanced his ability to read complex defenses.
Another season might also have given Beck a chance to lead Georgia to another College Football Playoff appearance, further cementing his reputation as a winner and leader—qualities NFL teams covet.
While Beck’s potential is undeniable, the NFL Draft is as much about perception as it is about production. Entering the draft after just one season as a starter could lead teams to question whether he’s truly ready to compete at the highest level.
The feedback McShay received from NFL scouts highlights this concern. The word “foolish” implies not just disappointment in Beck’s decision but also skepticism about his ability to thrive immediately in the NFL.
Mid-round quarterbacks often face an uphill battle in the league. They are less likely to be given starting opportunities early and often land in less-than-ideal situations, with limited support systems and fewer resources for development.
From Beck’s standpoint, the decision to leave early might stem from a belief in his readiness and a desire to capitalize on his current momentum. He may also be wary of the risks of staying in college, such as potential injuries or a decline in performance.
Additionally, the allure of the NFL and the financial rewards of even a mid-round selection could have influenced his decision.
Carson Beck’s choice to declare for the NFL Draft has ignited a polarizing discussion about the timing of such decisions. While his talent and potential are undeniable, many, including Todd McShay and NFL scouts, believe that he is leaving valuable development time on the table.
If Beck succeeds in the NFL, he will silence his critics and validate his decision. However, if he struggles early or fails to secure a prominent role, the critiques of his decision to leave Georgia early will only grow louder.
For now, Beck’s journey to the NFL is just beginning, but the stakes have never been higher. Only time will tell if he made the right call or if, as one scout put it, his decision was indeed “foolish.”