That’s why the Raiders are likely to target a quarterback with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There will be plenty of arm talent available, and NFLmocks.com’s Tarringo Basile-Vaughan believes the Raiders could select Miami’s Carson Beck.
“The Raiders could go defense here, but there will be an opportunity to draft their quarterback of the future to play a season or two behind Geno Smith. After a resurrection of sorts at Miami, Carson Beck will resurface as a top quarterback prospect. The intrigue in this pick is it teams Beck up with former Georgia teammate Brock Bowers. As the two terrorized the SEC, they will have an opportunity to do the same in the AFC West,” Basile-Vaughan wrote.
Beck transferred from Georgia after suffering an elbow injury, hoping to rebuild his draft stock and return to first-round consideration.
“The season-ending elbow injury Beck suffered during Georgia's SEC championship victory over Texas is one key reason he'll try to play one more college season to get back to first-round pick status," ESPN’s Max Olson wrote.
If Beck lives up to expectations and meets his performance incentives, he’s projected to make $6 million in NIL earnings this season. He was a highly productive quarterback at Georgia prior to the injury and now looks to lead Miami to an ACC title after last season’s disappointing finish.
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Beck has thrown 58 career touchdown passes, and his recovery has reportedly gone well. He’s expected to have a strong final season. Sitting behind a veteran like Geno Smith would benefit Beck tremendously, giving him time to adjust to the NFL and learn from an experienced pro. For both the Raiders and Beck, this could be a smart, long-term move.
