The Detroit Lions could be planning to add an intriguing insurance policy for Jared Goff.
The team brought on veteran Teddy Bridgewater as a backup for Goff this season, but one NFL analyst believes they will add another young quarterback who can develop into a long-term backup or potential starter for the team.
Lions Add Carson Beck in NFL Mock Draft
In a seven-round NFL mock draft, CBS Sports predicted the Lions would add Miami quarterback Carson Beck with their fourth-round pick. Though Beck would likely start behind Bridgewater on the team’s depth chart, he has the potential to grow into a No. 2.
Beck has been a polarizing quarterback, especially after he played a total of six years at the college level.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Beck has been through a lot during his years at the college level.
“Three-year starter who has weathered his share of ups and downs,” Zierlein wrote. “Beck has NFL-caliber size and a lot of experience playing in high-leverage games. He recovered from 2024 UCL surgery on his throwing elbow, but he appeared to lose some drive velocity on deep balls and move throws.”
Zierlein added that Beck has some natural abilities, as well as deficiencies he needs to address if he wants to succeed at the NFL level.
“He works through progressions at a good pace and can throw with anticipation, but he loses track of safeties, throwing into hazardous spots,” Zierlein wrote. “Beck’s decision-making showed more maturity in his final college season, but pressure can pull him back into old habits. He spins a catchable ball with a compact release, but spotty accuracy leads to pass breakups and a lower conversion rate on tight-window throws. Beck projects as a good backup with the potential to earn a starting job down the road, but he must continue developing game-managing instincts.”
Carson Beck Suffered Late-College Collapse
Owen Hillman of USA Today’s UGA Wire noted that Beck is seen as one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft, a signal-caller who just a few years ago had rising stock.
“Beck had a stellar 2023-24 season, throwing for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions,” Hillman wrote. “That promising season gave Carson Beck high draft stock, with some even considering him the favorite for the first overall pick before the 2024-25 season.”
But Hillman added that Beck has seen his draft stock falling over the last two years, having decided to jump to the NFL last season but changing his mind and transferring to Miami for his final year of college.
“Unfortunately, his draft stock crumbled in 2024,” Hillman wrote. “He threw for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and an SEC-leading 12 interceptions. He also missed half of the SEC championship and all of the Sugar Bowl due to a torn UCL. He originally planned the 2025 NFL draft, but changed his mind, electing to enter the transfer portal and play one more season.”
If he were to come to Detroit, Beck would get the chance to learn behind Goff — and likely behind Bridgewater as well — for at least a season.
Lions Predicted to Add Polarizing Rookie QB as Jared Goff Insurance