Cardinals Emerge As Carson Beck Suitor On Day 2 Of NFL Draft

Miami quarterback Carson Beck might not have to wait long to hear his name called on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Although there were rumblings about Beck potentially going in the first round on Thursday, his name wasn't called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. That being said, ESPN analyst Matt Miller expects Beck to come off the board early this Friday.

Miller currently has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Beck with the 34th overall pick.

"Is this a reach for Beck? It is, based on predraft rankings of him, but the Cardinals are in quarterback purgatory and need to take swings to find a capable starter," Miller wrote. "Beck's excellent play in the College Football Playoff changed the narrative on him, and there are believers around the NFL in his ability as a future starter."

It was reported that Beck had visits with the Cardinals, Dolphins, Jets and Steelers prior to the draft. Of that group, Arizona seems to be the most desperate for a quarterback.

Beck might not have a ceiling as high as Fernando Mendoza's or Ty Simpson's, but he did lead Miami to the national title game this past season. Overall, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,813 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

NFL teams aren't sold on Beck.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, a number of coaches and executives in the NFL are not high on Beck due to a perceived personality problem

"He's talented enough, smooth, on time, sees it well, he's smart-probably the smartest kid in the class," an NFC coach said. "But the personality is tough. I wouldn't touch him."

Beck finished his college career with 11,725 passing yards and 88 touchdowns, so he definitely has what it takes to be a game changer.

Are these rumored character concerns about Beck legitimate though? Well, if the Cardinals take him with the 34th pick, that would prove they're at least confident in his leadership skills.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 10:47 AM.