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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Carson Beck of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes throws a pass during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals made a shocking decision by drafting former Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Beck had an up-and-down college career. After winning two national championships with Georgia as a backup, Beck started for two seasons with the Bulldogs. 

In his final season with Georgia, he led the SEC in interceptions with 12. After transferring to Miami, he would go to the national championship game, but lose to Indiana due to turnovers.

Despite his roller coaster of a college career, a Cardinals legend thinks that Beck could work out with the right supporting cast.

Former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner appeared on Arizona Sports’ Bickley and Marotta and discussed the Beck pick.

What Did Former Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner Have to Say?

Warner said he believes Beck fell into a category of quarterbacks who aren’t ready to start quite yet, but could become the guy.

“I really like Carson’s tape,” Warner said. “He played in a lot of big games. He understands how to play the position. So, there’s a lot to like about Carson Beck. To me, the question just becomes, does he have that something extra?”

While Beck certainly has the experience in big games that the Cardinals desire, draft pundits questioned his talent. More specifically, his arm strength and accuracy.

Warner made an interesting comparison to former Mr. Irrelevant and current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Like Beck, Purdy didn’t have the physical attributes that scouts and general managers crave.

But he made his way into the NFL and kept winning.

“When Brock Purdy comes on the scene and still to this day, we’re not blown away by the physical traits or the things that he does with his cannon arm or anything like that,” Warner said. “But he’s shown us that he’s got something to him. That moxie, that ability to make big throws, that ability to understand how to make different throws and come up with big plays in the moment.

“That, to me, is what the rest of this class has to prove.”

What Else Did Warner Say About Beck?

Warner has also gotten to know Beck on a personal level through his son, E.J. Warner. Beck and E.J. have been training together, and Warner has noticed his dedication to football.

“E.J. was telling me how smart he was, how good he was in the room and a student of the game, which, to me, is just as important as anything else,” Warner said.

While Beck wasn’t a popular pick by draft experts, he has plenty of talent around him to make things work.

Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is coming off his first 1,000-yard season, the talented Marvin Harrison Jr. is looking for a breakout season and tight end Trey McBride is one of the best in the game.

When you add in the No. 3 overall pick, Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic playmaker, Beck will have plenty of weapons on offense.

The only question is, does he have that “it” factor to win games at the NFL level?