It was no secret that the Cardinals needed to take a shot at quarterback, but opted to make a strange decision on Day 2 of the NFL Draft by selecting Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL).
The Arizona Cardinals clearly needed to make a move at quarterback after letting Kyler Murray leave for the Minnesota Vikings. However, that didn’t mean that they needed to reach for an old quarterback with little arm strength, mobility, or consistent accuracy and decision-making.
The A to Z Sports 2026 NFL Draft projections had Carson Beck ranked firmly outside the first three rounds. The industry consensus board only recently started shifting him back towards possible Day 2 NFL Draft capital.Yes, he is experienced (long-time Georgia Bulldogs QB). Yes, he took Miami to the national championship game this past season. But how should Cardinals fans feel about this pick?
Age: 23A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Average Backup or Rotational PlayerCareer Projection:
What you see is what you get with Carson Beck. At this stage of his career, he is fairly maxed out physically, and his tools are mostly just average. He has the ability to step up in the pocket and keep his feet set while avoiding pressure, but the arm talent has gotten sapped after numerous injuries. To Beck's credit, he has found ways to maximize that by improving his ability to throw with touch and timing. He can get through his progressions fairly well, and is at least willing to attack the middle of the field. Things begin to fall apart when he gets sped up by pressure, or when he has to push the ball down the field, but there's enough there for him to be a "point and click" distributor type of quarterback. He's a high-floor backup with spot starter ability in the right circumstances.
Carson Beck started for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs for two years prior to his transfer to the Miami Hurricanes, and he saw quite a bit of success. Unfortunately, after suffering multiple injuries, especially his elbow tear back in late 2024, Beck just hasn’t been the same player he once was.Beck never had elite arm talent to begin with, but he certainly doesn’t now. Still, he’s found ways to work around his physical limitations, which is impressive. However, given his propensity for untimely interceptions, his lack of elite physical traits, and lackluster mobility, Beck being selected inside the first three rounds of the NFL Draft seems a bit odd.
The Arizona Cardinals could have targeted a bigger-bodied quarterback with superior arm strength in Drew Allar (Penn State, now a Steeler), but instead they opted for an older passer who has already maxed out his skillset. Not that Allar profiles like he has all of the answers either, but Beck has thrown 24 interceptions in the last two seasons alone. He cannot rune well. And he’s fallen short on every major stage he’s stood on dating back to his time with the Georgia Bulldogs.Cardinals fans might be a bit desperate for better quarterback play, feeling fine about this selection, but they shouldn’t. This year is not going to be a competitive one. Every single move should be about building a roster around whoever the new quarterback is in 2027 (likely one that the Cardinals draft).
Instead, general manager Monti Ossenfort decided to waste a third round pick on a quarterback who at best will be the Cardinals backup passer throughout his rookie contract.This move was a complete disaster, but the Cardinals still get a “passing” grade of a D+ just for taking a shot on a position of need. If this somehow works out, props to Ossenfort, but the odds are certainly stacked against Beck ever becoming anything relevant in Arizona.Grade: D+
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