GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals third-round pick Carson Beck was a polarizing pick amongst fans and experts. Already 24 years old, Beck is expected to be ready right away, as his six-year collegiate career has soured people about his development. However, head coach Mike LaFleur spoke about his quarterback’s age not signaling him being at the peak of his development. The years of experience has helped, but LaFleur sees a lot to come from Beck.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during a pre-draft news conference on April 16, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
LaFleur on Beck’s development in Cardinals system:
“His demeanor, I guess you could say, but that hasn’t really stood out. I’m not shocked. He loves it. He loves just sitting there. He’s a 24-year-old adult, and he loves ball.
“I’m not going to sit here and lie and say, ‘Hey, the first round isn’t different than the seventh round.’ I understand that. But part of our job in this building is to say, ‘Hey, take all that away, and let’s develop at the pace that they can develop. Let’s make sure we have great urgency in the way that we coach them.’ They need to match that urgency back. Because again, the clock starts now for all these guys. No one really cares at that point. You got to put the best 53 on the roster, and the best 22 out there from a starting standpoint.”
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck during a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training facility in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Beck spoke to the media on Friday about his college career. Being at Georgia for five years and Miami for his final season has prepared for LaFleur’s NFL system. Big schools with Pro playbooks have set up Beck to possibility succeed in the league. He wouldn’t be the first 24-year-old rookie quarterback to step up and prove the doubters wrong.
New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough didn’t start his rookie season in 2025, but once he got the opportunity, he didn’t let go. The 26-year-old threw for 2,256 passing yards in his nine starts for 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. In his final four starts, Shough threw for 70% completion for 293 passing yards per game and five touchdowns to one interceptions, going 3-1.
Shough is nearly identical size to Beck, alongside them having similar senior year stats in colleges. New Orleans head coach and play caller has set Shough up to succeed, and LaFleur has that same opportunity with Beck in 2026.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
