The 2026 NFL Draft featured an odd quarterback class. Fernando Mendoza was the clear-cut No. 1, and he was followed by several signal-callers who were once considered potential franchise quarterbacks earlier in their college careers.
Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck were highly thought of before their collegiate careers were thrown for a bit of a loop. Beck rebounded in a big way in 2025, though, guiding the Miami Hurricanes to the CFP National Championship and re-entering the NFL Draft conversation.
Right before the draft began, Beck was considered an early Round 2 option. That didn’t pan out, as he watched Alabama’s Ty Simpson be taken as the second quarterback. Beck bided his time, but finally got his name called with the first pick of the third round. At 65th overall, the Arizona Cardinals made Beck a member of their franchise.
Carson Beck might be able to challenge Jacoby Brissett for Arizona Cardinals starting QB job
Beck couldn’t have landed in a much better spot; at least for a chance to play earlier than expected. The Cardinals released Kyler Murray in the offseason and only replaced him with journeyman backup Gardner Minshew. The team was set to go into 2026 with Jacoby Brissett as the entrenched starter. That could change now.
Brissett is expected to be the starter, especially after a strong 2025 season where he operated the offense efficiently in Murray’s stead. But if he reverts back to some of his erroneous previous ways, Beck could easily get a look; particularly since new, offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur has practically hand-picked him to develop him.
It’s a solid situation for Beck, too. The team drafted running back Jeremiyah Love third overall on Thursday night. Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Trey McBride present a big and talented trio of pass-catchers. The offensive line is a work in progress, sure, but Beck could’ve done much worse in terms of a landing spot to begin his NFL career.
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