As the 2026 NFL Draft draws near, reports have suggested that one star’s ‘loner’ personality could prove detrimental to his hopes of getting picked.
The first round of the NFL Draft will take place on Thursday evening in Pittsburgh, with former Hurricanes star Carson Beck among the top QBs in this year’s class.
However, reports have claimed that NFL teams are cautious about selecting the 23-year-old, despite leading Miami to the CFP national championship game in January.
In a report published by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, one AFC coordinator reportedly told the insider that ‘there’s this sense that this guy is a villain’.
Meanwhile, another NFC coordinator told Breer: ‘He’s talented enough, smooth, on time, sees it well, he’s smart – probably the smartest kid in the class.
‘But the personality is tough. I wouldn’t touch him.’
NFL teams are reportedly cautious over selecting Carson Beck at Thursday’s 2026 NFL Draft
Reports claimed that teams are concerned about Beck’s ‘loner’ personality off the field
The coordinator continued: ‘Big kid, very smart, another guy that’s well prepared from the neck up. He has a big enough arm.
‘He’s a marginal athlete, but I think he’s got the ability to navigate the pocket, does a good job of mitigating bad plays, and his sack avoidance is good – the sacks he takes are minimized.
‘He just plays within himself. He was asked to do more at Georgia, but he’s capable of all that stuff, as far as controlling what’s out there.’
Last year, Beck threw for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns as he helped take the Hurricanes to the CFP national championship game, which they lost to Indiana.
Beck came under scrutiny from fans following their defeat, after he allegedly skulked straight to the locker room with his helmet still on.
According to several reports, the signal caller didn’t even pause to shake hands with his victorious opponents, not even his Indiana counterpart Fernando Mendoza.
Former Hoosiers star Mendoza is widely expected to be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, with Beck likely to be the third quarterback selected.
The former Miami star has reportedly met with a number of NFL teams already, including the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.
Beck came under criticism following Miami’s loss in the CFP national championship game
Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the No 1 overall pick
Mendoza, meanwhile, will not be in Pittsburgh on Thursday when the Raiders are expected to select him with the top pick.
Instead, the 22-year-old will watch the big night unfold from his home in Miami surrounded by friends and family.
He has now revealed that the decision was fueled by his consideration of his loved ones, specifically his mother, Elsa.
‘Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it’s a great venue, and I’m really excited to see most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,’ Mendoza said on the Rich Eisen Show.
‘It’d be a dream for a lot of guys, however, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation, and I would have to hop on a plane the next morning anyways. For that travel, it would be a lot easier to stay at home.’
Elsa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis around 18 years ago. Her battle took a ‘downhill’ turn when she was diagnosed with Covid-19.
However, while the Mendoza family will not be celebrating in Pittsburgh, the quarterback insisted that they will still be throwing a party down in South Florida.
