NFL Draft intel: Could embattled QB salvage draft hopes?

Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. 

From a Miami quarterback to a Wake Forest running back, here are five players we’re tracking: 

Miami
QB Carson Beck 

The Tennessee Titans selected Miami QB Cam Ward with pick No. 1 in the 2025 draft. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson believes Beck (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) could be his next No. 1 pick. 

That seems hard to believe after Beck floundered with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2024, tossing a career-high 12 interceptions in 13 games. However, a year can make a huge difference.

“It’s amazing what one year can do to rehabilitate a reputation,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay said Monday on his podcast. “You watch how quickly the rhetoric around Carson Beck could change if he does his part in the next couple of months.” 

Playing in a QB-friendly offense should benefit Beck. Ward led the FBS in touchdown passes (39 in 13 games) last season. He credits the OC’s system for his success. At his pro day in March, the Titans QB said, “You should throw at least 30 TDs a year” in Dawson’s offense. 

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers

Aside from Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning, Sellers may have the highest upside among passers in the 2026 class. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler rated him as his No. 2 QB behind Manning. 

“He is still figuring out several areas as a passer. However, Sellers (who just turned 20 this summer) is composed and smart, with striking physical gifts,” wrote Brugler. “There are numerous highlights from the 2024 season when he looks like vintage Cam Newton with his Houdini-like acts to escape trouble.”

Sellers showcased his elusiveness last season when rushing for a go-ahead 20-yard TD late in the fourth quarter of a 17-14 road upset over Clemson.