ESPN analysts point to Cardinals’ Carson Beck as mid-round QB to watch

Beck, taken in the third round as the 65th overall pick, brings an unusually deep résumé for a mid-round selection. He is coming off leading Miami to the CFP National Championship last season and also won the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium against Ole Miss earlier this year.

ESPN analyst Peter Schrager emphasized that experience when comparing him to other quarterbacks selected ahead of him.

“Carson Beck was in college for six years and played a lot of football and started a lot of games — 43 games,” Schrager said. “Had big programs, Georgia and Miami. Had big numbers.”

That contrasts with others in his draft class, including division rival Ty Simpson, who was selected earlier despite far less starting experience.

Will Carson Beck be QB1 in Arizona? 👀@PSchrags and @danorlovsky7 debate who was the best QB taken outside of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iZTw9jBDsu

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 27, 2026

“Beck probably will see the field before Ty Simpson, and he went several picks after,” the analyst added, highlighting the value gap. “… I look at the experience, I look at the big-game performances. Carson Beck does have a résumé that says, ‘Hey, I can at least compete with Gardner Minshew and Jacoby Brissett this weekend.’”

For Arizona, this discussion is important due to instability at the quarterback position. Since last season, and with Kyler Murray’s departure in the offseason, there hasn’t been a long-term answer at the position. Beck’s long-time experience provides something few rookie quarterbacks have when entering the NFL, but the question is if that experience will be Arizona’s answer to replace Murray’s production.

Veteran options are competing for the starting spot, and contract questions still linger. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky noted that the competition and uncertainty create an opportunity for Beck to emerge as a potential leader.

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) is named offensive player of the game after their 31-27 win over the Ole Miss Rebels during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona’s offensive personnel only adds more intrigue, with young playmakers and recent high draft picks such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and No. 3 overall selection Jeremiah Love. Beck’s addition further strengthens the young core.

“I think because of that, because of the state of the team, I think that Carson’s got a chance to maybe start to plant the flag — ‘Can I be your starting quarterback Week 1?’ — because of the experience,” Orlovsky said. “I think Arizona’s really talented. … So I think Arizona’s pretty talented on the perimeter, and the offensive line has to improve.”

Beck’s development within the organization will not only be followed locally but also from a national perspective, as analysts watch whether he can become the quarterback Arizona needs at a position that has lacked stability in recent years, and which quarterback really took command of their new position.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) reacts with quarterback Carson Beck (11) after a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Analysts continue to frame the conversation, but one thing is clear: in Arizona, the question of which quarterback will succeed is just beginning — and it will only intensify once Beck is put under the spotlight.