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Grading the Pick: Arizona Cardinals make NFL Draft move that will leave fanbase split as they select Miami QB Carson Beck
TL;DR
The Arizona Cardinals selected Miami QB Carson Beck in the NFL Draft, a move that has divided fans. This decision follows the departure of Kyler Murray to the Minnesota Vikings.
Key points
- Arizona Cardinals selected Carson Beck as their new quarterback
- Kyler Murray left for the Minnesota Vikings
- Beck was ranked outside the first three rounds by analysts
- Concerns about Beck's arm strength and decision-making
- Beck led Miami to the national championship game
Carson BeckKyler MurrayArizona CardinalsMinnesota Vikings
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?
What to know about new Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Beck
Age: 23
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Average Backup or Rotational Player
Career 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, , Beck just hasn’t been the same player he once was.
Q&A
Why did the Arizona Cardinals select Carson Beck in the NFL Draft?
The Cardinals needed a quarterback after Kyler Murray's departure, and they opted for Carson Beck despite his mixed evaluations.
What are the concerns about Carson Beck as the new QB for the Cardinals?
Concerns include his lack of arm strength, mobility, and inconsistent accuracy, as well as being ranked outside the first three rounds by draft analysts.
How did Carson Beck perform in college before joining the Cardinals?
Carson Beck was a long-time quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs and led Miami to the national championship game last season.
What impact will Carson Beck's selection have on the Cardinals' fanbase?
The selection is likely to split the fanbase due to concerns over Beck's abilities and the decision to reach for him in the draft.
