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Cardinals Draft Carson Beck, Add Veteran Brissett, Minshew

5/8/2026

34 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Carson Beck Drafted

Arizona Cardinals drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 Draft.
Carson Beck logged six seasons, a 2024 SEC title, 3,813 yards and 30 TDs.
Carson Beck recovered from a UCL elbow injury in December 2024 and is near full health.
The room includes veterans Jacoby Brissett, 33, and Gardner Minshew, with Brissett set to start while Carson Beck learns the playbook and may see rookie snaps.

Summary

Beck Praises System

Mike LaFleur’s offense runs a predetermined set of reads, moving from the first to the last receiving option instead of deciding after the snap.
Carson Beck says the system provides answers against modern defenses and calls the Cardinals’ playbook huge, indicating high rookie complexity.
Fifth-round receiver Reggie Virgil measures 6 ft 2 and 187 lb—79th percentile in height, 17th in weight—and says he will add mass despite lacking a target.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the Cardinals drafted quarterback Jake Plummer in the second round, and his rookie drive earned him a franchise record 15 touchdown passes and three of the team’s four wins despite a 4-12 season. The 2026 third-round selection of Carson Beck, joining veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew under coordinator Mike LaFleur’s predetermined-read offense, echoes the late-1990s attempt to revitalize the franchise through quarterbacks.

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Carson Beck Drafted

Arizona Cardinals drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 Draft.
Carson Beck logged six seasons, a 2024 SEC title, 3,813 yards and 30 TDs.
Carson Beck recovered from a UCL elbow injury in December 2024 and is near full health.
The room includes veterans Jacoby Brissett, 33, and Gardner Minshew, with Brissett set to start while Carson Beck learns the playbook and may see rookie snaps.

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