QBs Carson Beck, Drew Allar were surprise NFL Draft selections for most. Here's what their path looks like for getting playing time

Miami quarterback Carson Beck and Penn State quarterback Drew Allar both landed in ideal spots that could offer opportunities to them sooner rather than later.

Beck, who some refused to believe could be the third quarterback drafted, became exactly that when he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the first pick in the third round (65th overall) on Friday night. He’ll enter a Cardinals franchise that expects to have Jacoby Brissett as a bridge starter in 2026, but will be motivated to get a look at Beck if he earns it. With the 2027 expected to be loaded with first-round quarterbacks, I think Arizona will try to get a look at Beck at some point as a rookie starter if he proves worthy. If only to know whether the franchise will need to go back to the draft well in next year’s deeper class. For Beck, that potentially means stepping into an offense with No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love at running back, first team All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. at the wideout spot.

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Among the first three quarterbacks drafted — including the Las Vegas Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza and Los Angeles Rams’ Ty Simpson (who is stuck behind reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford) — you could argue that Beck is the winner in terms of surrounding pieces and potential immediate opportunity. It will be worth keeping an eye on next season.