Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur gives honest assessment of Carson Beck ahead of minicamp

Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals third-round pick Carson Beck was a polarizing pick amongst fans and experts. Already 24 years old, Beck is expected to be ready right away, as his six-year collegiate career has soured people about his development. However, head coach Mike LaFleur spoke about his quarterback’s age not signaling him being at the peak of his development. The years of experience has helped, but LaFleur sees a lot to come from Beck.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during a pre-draft news conference on April 16, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.

LaFleur on Beck’s development in Cardinals system:

“His demeanor, I guess you could say, but that hasn’t really stood out. I’m not shocked. He loves it. He loves just sitting there. He’s a 24-year-old adult, and he loves ball.

“I’m not going to sit here and lie and say, ‘Hey, the first round isn’t different than the seventh round.’ I understand that. But part of our job in this building is to say, ‘Hey, take all that away, and let’s develop at the pace that they can develop. Let’s make sure we have great urgency in the way that we coach them.’ They need to match that urgency back. Because again, the clock starts now for all these guys. No one really cares at that point. You got to put the best 53 on the roster, and the best 22 out there from a starting standpoint.”