Full Breakdown
Cardinals Draft Carson Beck: Third-Round Gamble at Quarterback
4/25/2026, 1:27:15 PM
The Pick
On April 24 2026 the Arizona Cardinals selected Miami quarterback Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick—the first selection of the third round—in the NFL Draft. The move added a third quarterback to a roster that had just released former franchise player Kyler Murray and already featured veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.
Background & Context
Arizona entered the draft needing a long-term solution at quarterback after Murray’s departure. The team’s first two picks addressed other offensive needs: running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall and guard Chase Bisontis in the second round. Earlier speculation linked the Cardinals to Alabama’s Ty Simpson, but the Rams selected him at No. 13, leaving Arizona to choose from the remaining QBs—Fernando Mendoza (No. 1) and Beck.
Carson Beck’s College Profile
Beck spent five seasons (2020-24) with the Georgia Bulldogs, serving as backup before starting in 2023-24. He transferred to Miami for the 2025 season, completing 72.4 % of his passes for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and leading the Hurricanes to a College Football Playoff national-title game. Over his collegiate career he amassed 11,725 passing yards, 88 touchdowns and 32 interceptions. A 2024 ulnar-collateral-ligament surgery on his throwing elbow is cited as the primary factor in his draft-stock decline. Beck is listed at 6-4, 233-235 lb and turned 23 in November 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Draft position: No. 65 (3rd round)
- Contract: four-year deal worth $7.4 million (Spotrac)
- Arizona 2025 record: 3-14, 23rd in points, 19th in total offense
- Cardinals quarterback depth: Jacoby Brissett (starter candidate), Gardner Minshew (backup), Kedon Slovis (third-year rookie)
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Monti Ossenfort said Beck “is big, tough, has good arm strength and we didn’t want him to slide off the board.” Head coach Mike LaFleur described him as “a big, solid dude… a natural thrower who’s been through big games and adversity.” Beck expressed gratitude to Miami coaches Mario Cristobal and Shannon Dawson for the opportunity and pledged to “work as hard as I can” in Arizona.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts assigned low grades: CBS Sports (D), SB Nation (B-), Walter Football (B). Common concerns include diminished arm velocity after elbow surgery, susceptibility to pressure, limited mobility and the player’s age relative to typical rookie QBs. Some observers likened the selection to the Texans’ 2021 Davis Mills pick, arguing the Cardinals might have waited for a stronger 2027 class.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Draft-grade assessments vary from a “D” to a “B-,” reflecting divergent views on Beck’s upside. Public details of Brissett’s contract dispute remain limited, creating uncertainty about the immediate quarterback hierarchy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a big, solid dude. … He looks the part,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
- “I’m just so, so grateful that coach [Mario] Cristobal, [offensive coordinator Shannon] Dawson gave me the opportunity to come play quarterback at the University of Miami when I didn’t have an elbow,” — Carson Beck, quarterback
- “Beck, however, is a robotic passer who can wilt under pressure, and his decision-making and ball placement can be erratic.” — CBS Sports analyst
- “Beck has NFL-caliber size and a lot of experience playing in high-leverage games,” — Lance Zierlein, draft analyst
Why It Matters / Impact
Beck provides Arizona with a developmental quarterback who can learn behind Brissett while offering a potential upgrade if the veteran’s contract dispute stalls. His size and experience align with the Cardinals’ run-heavy, play-action offense, and the pick signals a willingness to invest in a quarterback despite limited draft capital.
What’s Next
Beck will report to rookie minicamp, compete in training camp, and await resolution of Brissett’s contract talks. The Cardinals’ 2026 season will test whether Beck can earn playing time or remain a developmental depth piece as the franchise plans its 2027 quarterback strategy.
