The Arizona Cardinals selected quarterback Carson Beck with the No. 65 pick in the NFL draft, surprising many analysts. Beck, who played six years in college, was expected to be drafted later.
Key points
Arizona Cardinals selected Carson Beck with the No. 65 pick
Beck played six years in college football
He was expected to be drafted in rounds four through seven
Cardinals focused on offensive players with their first three picks
Cardinals take stunning swing on QB in 3rd round. What's the grade?
The Arizona Cardinals made a stunning swing with the No. 65 pick in the NFL draft, selecting Miami quarterback Carson Beck.
Beck arrives in Arizona after a six-year collegiate career in which he spent five seasons at Georgia and one at Miami. He was widely projected to be selected on the third day of the draft ā in rounds four through seven ā but instead landed in Arizona with the first pick of the third round.
The Cardinals have selected offensive players with each of their first three picks: Running back Jeremiyah Love, offensive guard Chase Bisontis and now Beck.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Q&A
Why did the Arizona Cardinals select Carson Beck in the 3rd round?
The Cardinals selected Carson Beck to strengthen their offensive lineup, despite him being projected for a later round.
What is Carson Beck's college background?
Carson Beck had a six-year collegiate career, spending five seasons at Georgia and one at Miami.
Who were the Cardinals' first three draft picks?
The Cardinals' first three draft picks were running back Jeremiyah Love, offensive guard Chase Bisontis, and quarterback Carson Beck.
What were the expectations for Carson Beck's draft position?
Carson Beck was widely projected to be selected in the later rounds of the draft, specifically rounds four through seven.
Related Articles
NFL
Atlanta Falcons draft former Georgia Bulldog Zachariah Branch in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
Atlanta Falcons select Zachariah Branch from Georgia in 3rd round of 2026 NFL Draft
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Giancarlo Stanton pulled from Fridayās game with possible lower-body injury
Giancarlo Stanton leaves game against Astros with potential injury.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Drew Allar never met the recruiting hype, but Pittsburgh offers a soft landing spot for the maligned QB
Drew Allar faces challenges but finds hope in Pittsburgh.
CBS Sports HeadlinesĀ·Ā·1 min read
NFLĀ·Feature
The Eaglesā newest draft pick is HUGE
The Eagles have drafted 6'9" OT Markel Bell, a standout from Miami.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
NFL
Explaining why the Eagles didnāt pick at 87 overall
Why the Eagles Didn't Pick at 87 Overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
The final results of the Jaelan Phillps trade are in
Final results of the Jaelan Phillips trade are in, impacting both teams.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ poses with his parents L'TyonaĀ andĀ Jason Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
1 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
1 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Cardinals take running back in 1st round of NFL draft:What's the grade?
2 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
3 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
4 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
5 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
6 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
7 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
8 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ poses with his parents L'TyonaĀ andĀ Jason Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
9 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
10 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
11 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
12 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
13 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a press conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
14 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
15 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
16 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
17 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
18 / 18
Jeremiyah Love introduced by Arizona Cardinals. See photos
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pickĀ running back Jeremiyah LoveĀ during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz.
Grade: D
Reaching for Beck makes little sense, and not just because of the value. Yes, he was projected as a Day 3 pick, behind LSU's Garrett Nussmeier. But the Cardinals are a year away from being in a position to draft a franchise quarterback. This draft should have been about building the foundation to prepare that player for success, as they did in the first two rounds.
