Carson Beck NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Arizona Cardinals QB

The Arizona Cardinals selected Miami QB Carson Beck with the No. 65 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Carson Beck's play style and strengths fit the mold of a high-end game manager quarterback in the NFL.

Beck has the skill set suited to a team with strong talent and culture that can win games. He excels in a point-guard role under center. He combines good anticipation, quick game efficiency, and timely throwing.

Beck is a former 4-star recruit in the 2020 class. He is a well-experienced player with over 30 starts in his collegiate career. His traits and experience are what NFL teams tend to look for in a future starting quarterback.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

Carson Beck highlights

00:59

Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Beck is an anticipatory thrower. He sees things quickly and throws before the wide receiver's break.

- He is a rhythm and timing passer. Beck works best as a hit-and-throw passer, where his back foot hits at the top of his drop, and the ball is out quickly.

- Well-experienced quarterback, three years as a starter, and has seen a lot of football. Especially in big/high-leverage games.

- Beck throws a very catchable football. He throws with pace and knows how to apply the right amount of touch.

- When protected inside the pocket, Beck effectively goes through his progressions and is comfortable with full-field reads.

- Above average athlete who will use his legs to break contain and run for first downs.

Areas of Improvement

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

- Beck is prone to putting the ball in harm's way, testing occupied throwing lanes.

- He must reduce his turnover-worthy plays and protect the football with better decision-making.

- He struggles under pressure, specifically interior pressure right in his face. Beck will throw off his back foot to avoid being hit or contacted.

- Suffered a UCL injury, and his arm strength has not been the same post-surgery. He can struggle to drive the ball into tighter windows.

- Too many passes batted down at the line of scrimmage for a 6'5 quarterback.

- He is prone to locking into his first read or pre-determining his reads before the snap.

- Accuracy and ball placement deteriorate when forced off his spot and to reset his feet in the pocket.

- Improving his pocket presence and feel for pressure with a better internal clock to reduce chances for strip sacks.

Grade, Rank, and Pro Comparison

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

GRADE: 6.97 (Role Player/Part-Time Contributor — 4th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Spencer Rattler (7.2 in 2024), Kenny Pickett (7.4 in 2022), Bo Nix (7.2 in 2024)

OVERALL RANK: 120

POSITION RANK: QB5

PRO COMPARISON: Kenny Pickett

Measurables and Testing Data

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 233
HAND: 10"
ARM: 30⅝"
Wingspan: 75"

40-YARD DASH: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bench Press: N/A