Carson Beck Drafted By Cardinals In Third Round To Fill Kyler Murray Hole: Will He Win Starting Spot?

The Arizona Cardinals drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

The Cardinals are trying to figure out the future of the QB position after releasing Kyler Murray earlier this offseason. Beck was once considered the best QB prospect of this draft class, but he was surpassed by Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson.

Beck threw for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns with Miami last season. Beck was considered one of the most accurate passers in college football, leading the nation in completion percentage. However, Beck sometimes had trouble dealing with pressure. He threw 12 interceptions in each of his final two seasons of college.

NFL scouts praised his ball placement abilities, but questioned his decision-making. The decision-making questions led him to fall to the third round.

The Cardinals’ first-round selection of Jeremiyah Love drew mixed reception from analysts. Some thought that the talent of Love could add a spark to the Cardinals’ offense, while others thought the Cardinals had more pressing matters to attend to. Love is expected to sign a four-year, $50 million contract with the Cardinals, which will make him the highest-paid running back in the league.

The rest of the Cardinals’ draft picks generally got praised by analysts. Outside of Beck, they also drafted offensive guard Chase Bisontis, defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor, wide receiver Reggie Virgil, linebacker Karson Sharar and offensive tackle Jayden Williams. NFL analyst Chad Reuter praised the Cardinals’ selection of Beck. 

“Despite his lukewarm film over the past two seasons, he has the physical attributes to be an NFL starter,” Reuter said. 

Despite releasing Murray, the Cardinals kept veteran QB Jacoby Brissett. They also signed Gardner Minshew earlier this offseason. Beck will need to prove he’s better than these two veteran QBs if he wants to start this season.