We are a very long way from knowing how the 2025 NFL Draft position rankings will end up looking. Preseason rankings are just that: projections off prior body of work and potential upside.
Now that the first full weekend of college football is underway, we’ve got fresh data and film to evaluate. Some players failed to live up to the preseason hypefailed to live up to the preseason hype. Not Georgja quarterback Carson Beck.
If anything, Beck proved worthy of the potential QB1 offseason hype in Georgia’s 34-3 trouncing of Clemson.
Beck showed sharp accuracy, good chemistry with his Bulldog targets and an easiness and confidence in the pocket all afternoon. The stat line — 23-of-33, 278 yards, 2 TDs, 0 turnovers — is pretty impressive against what looked to be a good Clemson defense on paper. The path to getting those stats was what really stood out for Beck.
Perhaps the most important trait for an NFL prospect at quarterback is the ability to hit moving targets in perfect stride. Beck did that several times against Clemson, notably on a picture-perfevt catch-and-run touchdown connection with London Humphreys.
Carson Beck crosses 'em up, calls game #Georgia pic.twitter.com/WGOBXEHmsK
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) August 31, 2024
Beck put that throw exactly where Humphreys needed it to turn it up the field for a touchdown. It’s got perfect touch and excellent placement out in front of Humphrey, leading the young receiver into open space and away from any defensive risk if Humphreys somehow can’t secure the catch.
Beck’s savvy at reading the defense pre-snap and overall decision-making were excellent in this 2024 Georgia debut game. He trusts what he sees, but also what he reads. Delivering perfect strikes on anticipatory throws requires more than just arm talent. It requires confidence in the pre-snap look, proper patience, and a quick, clean release and mechanics. Check, check and check for Beck against Clemson.
Carson Beck is the best quarterback in the draft when throwing over the middle. Consistent, good ball placement, timing and rhythm. Not to mention his release🤌🏼
pic.twitter.com/SPI999cpkc— • Colton Edwards • (@cedwardsNFL) August 31, 2024
Beck got sacked once, while adding 19 total rushing yards. He’ll never be confused for Jayden Daniels, but his initial quickness in dodging pressure is very impressive.
In short, Beck looked very much like a future top QB draft pick. It’s still very early, of course, but if Beck keeps churning out impressive games like he showed against Clemson, he’ll be very hard to dethrone as my QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
