The Miami Dolphins are staring down another offseason filled with quarterback questions-and this time, it feels like the end of the road for Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s starter. With limited options in the upcoming draft and no clear-cut first-round QB solution, Miami may have to get creative.
One idea gaining traction? Staying local.
In a recent mock draft, the Dolphins were projected to select University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round. And while it might not be the splashiest move, it’s one that could carry real upside-both on and off the field.
Carson Beck to the Dolphins? It’s Not as Far-Fetched as It Sounds
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a case of the Dolphins reaching for a quarterback early just to say they did. The top of this year’s QB class thins out quickly after the first few names, and unless Miami wants to gamble on a raw prospect like Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambliss in the first round, it makes sense to wait.
That’s where Beck enters the conversation.
Projected as the fifth quarterback off the board in this mock draft, Beck is slotted to go at pick No. 87.
That’s a third-round selection-low enough to minimize risk, but high enough to signal real interest. And while Beck isn’t a flawless prospect, there’s a lot to like about what he brings to the table.
What Beck Brings to the Table
Beck’s not going to wow scouts with a cannon arm, but he’s shown he can run an offense with poise and precision. He’s battle-tested, having played in high-pressure situations throughout his college career, and that kind of experience matters. He’s not a project in the traditional sense-he’s a quarterback who knows how to manage a game and keep the offense on schedule.
Is he the next franchise quarterback? That’s a big ask.
But in the third round, you’re not drafting for certainty-you’re drafting for potential. And Beck has enough of it to justify the pick.
The Quarterback Room: A Competition, Not a Coronation
If Miami does move on from Tagovailoa this offseason, Beck wouldn’t walk into a starting job. He’d likely be competing with Quinn Ewers, who’s still looking to establish himself as a full-time NFL starter. That kind of competition could bring out the best in both players-and if Beck doesn’t win the job, he still profiles as a solid backup option with room to grow.
Worst-case scenario? You’ve got a reliable No. 2 quarterback on a rookie contract.
Best case? You find a long-term starter on Day 2 of the draft.
That’s a swing worth taking.
A Hometown Bonus
There’s also a natural marketing bonus to this move. Beck already has a fanbase in Miami thanks to his time with the Hurricanes.
Bringing him into the Dolphins’ locker room could help bridge the gap between college and pro fans in the city-and that’s not nothing. It’s not the reason you make the pick, but it’s a nice added benefit.
Final Thoughts
This wouldn’t be the conventional route for a team searching for its next quarterback, but it doesn’t have to be. The Dolphins don’t need to force a first-round pick if the board doesn’t fall their way. Taking a calculated shot on a player like Carson Beck in the third round is exactly the kind of move that could pay off in a big way.
If Beck develops into a capable NFL starter, this pick could go down as one of the steals of the 2026 draft. And if not? The Dolphins still walk away with a smart, experienced quarterback who can contribute in some capacity.
Sometimes the best moves are the ones that don’t make headlines-at least not right away.