Could Carson Beck Be the Dolphins’ Next Quarterback Bet? A Third-Round Swing with Big Upside
The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2026 offseason with more questions than answers at the quarterback position. After a rollercoaster run with Tua Tagovailoa, it appears the team is preparing to move on, and the search for the next signal-caller is officially underway. But with a shallow quarterback class and limited options in the early rounds of the draft, Miami may have to get creative-and that’s exactly what one recent mock draft suggests.
In a scenario that’s already stirring conversation among fans, the Dolphins are projected to take University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round, using the 87th overall pick to bring in a familiar face from right in their backyard.
Now, let’s be clear: Beck isn’t walking into the league with a spotless scouting report. He’s not the kind of prospect who dominates the pre-draft headlines, and he likely won’t be in the green room on Day 1.
But there’s something to be said for what he does bring to the table-starting with experience. Beck has logged significant time under center in high-pressure situations, and while his arm talent isn’t elite, he’s shown he can run an offense with poise and efficiency.
That’s the kind of profile that makes sense for a team like Miami, especially if they’re not in position to land one of the top-tier quarterbacks in the first round. With names like Ty Simpson and Trinidad Chambliss unlikely to justify a first-round reach, and a noticeable drop-off in talent after Fernando Mendoza, the Dolphins could be looking at the third round as their best shot to find value at the position.
Beck was the fifth quarterback off the board in this mock draft, and while other prospects were still available, the logic behind the pick is hard to argue with. He’s a local product, which doesn’t hurt in terms of fan engagement, and he offers a blend of college experience and developmental upside that could pay dividends down the road.
Importantly, a third-round pick doesn’t come with the pressure of anointing Beck as the immediate starter. He’d likely enter training camp competing with Quinn Ewers for the job, assuming the Dolphins part ways with Tagovailoa this offseason. And even if Beck doesn’t win the job outright, there’s a clear pathway for him to develop into a solid backup-at minimum-on a cost-controlled rookie deal.
But let’s not ignore the upside here. If Beck can clean up some of the mechanical inconsistencies and adapt to the speed of the pro game, there’s a real chance he could grow into a capable starter.
And if that happens? You’re talking about a potential franchise quarterback found in the third round-that’s the kind of draft-day win that can reshape a roster.
There’s also a marketing angle that’s tough to overlook. Keeping a University of Miami star in the city could energize the fanbase in a big way. Local fans are already familiar with Beck’s game, and that built-in support could make for a smoother transition as he steps into the NFL spotlight.
Is this the most conventional route for the Dolphins? Not at all.
But sometimes the best moves come when you zig while others zag. If Carson Beck pans out, this pick won’t just be a feel-good hometown story-it could be the steal of the 2026 draft.