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Arizona Cardinals Draft Pick Carson Beck

The Arizona Cardinals may have surprised everyone with their selection of running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall. But it was their third-round pick of quarterback Carson Beck that has been the most intriguing.

The Cardinals came into the offseason with a big question mark at quarterback after the release of Kyler Murray. They signed Gardner Minshew to compete with Jacoby Brissett, who ended up starting 12 games and going 1-11 last season.

Beck now becomes a viable option, whether it’s at some point in 2026 or in the future. However, the former Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Hurricanes signal-caller didn’t land in Arizona without plenty of question marks of his own — one of the biggest being his health.

Beck is just over a year removed from UCL repair surgery that ended his final season with Georgia abruptly in 2024. He then made a quick turnaround, becoming Miami’s 2025 starter and playing in every game, including 12 regular-season contests and four playoff games.

Speaking to reporters on May 7, Beck was naturally asked about the health of his arm.

Carson Beck Shares Encouraging Injury Update

Beck told the media that his arm started feeling better toward the end of Miami’s 2025 season.

“I would say toward the end of the season and the playoffs, my arm felt great,” Beck said, via PHNX Cardinals Podcast. “But it only continues to get stronger. And now that I’m—what, a year and a half out of surgery—my arm is the strongest it’s ever been. I mean, I feel like I’ve been throwing the ball really well recently.”

Beck, who had surgery on Dec. 23, 2024, attributed much of that progress to finally having a full offseason to focus strictly on training.

“Obviously finally having an offseason to train and work and lock in on mechanics and just the fluidity of your motion and pairing everything together and making sure the mechanics one hundred percent and exactly where I want them to be.”

Even Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said he believes Beck is just now reaching full health.

“He’s probably reaching full health now…that guy’s best football is ahead of him, too,” Cristobal said. “He’s healthy, and I think he’s going to do great.”

All of that is certainly encouraging news for the Cardinals, who could eventually turn to Beck at some point in 2026 depending on how the season plays out and how quickly he develops.

Carson Beck Focused On Development Early In NFL Career

When asked about his mindset entering the NFL and the possibility of becoming a starter, Beck said he is focused on embracing the learning process.

“Each and every day will be a learning experience,” Beck said. “Even if I work to be the guy at some point, you’re just consistently, constantly learning through game experience, through past experience, meetings… just talking to guys throughout the facility. Just trying to get all the little breadcrumbs I can from each and every person.

“There’s only one guy out there (at quarterback). … Obviously, I would love to play and perform, but again, we’ll see where it takes me.”

Beck, 24, spent six years in college and appeared in 55 games. Over the last three seasons, he served as the starter at both Georgia and Miami.

He was once projected as a first-round pick, but his injury, along with inconsistent play during his final season with the Bulldogs, hurt his stock. However, his final season with the Hurricanes — one that nearly resulted in a national championship — helped rebuild his reputation.

Now, he will look to carry that momentum into the NFL and prove he can become the Cardinals’ long-term answer at quarterback.