1 Cardinals rookie who stood out most in 2026 minicamp

With the Arizona Cardinals potentially having a new star running back, their hopes for the upcoming season are sky high. And here is one rookie who stood out most during the team’s 2026 minicamp.

Of course, Jeremiyah Love is one consideration. The running back out of Notre Dame is expected to hit the ground running.

However, quarterback Carson Beck turned heads during the minicamp.

Cardinals’ QB Carson Beck off to a good start

The Cardinals grabbed Beck with the first pick of the third round. The expectation seems to be that he will occupy the QB3 slot, at least early in the season.

However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Beck emerge as the starter later in the season. That’s especially true if the team falls out of playoff contention with Jacoby Brissett under center. And given Brissett’s career record of 20-45, it’s likely the Cardinals will struggle to finish off games with victories.

Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said he likes what he has seen from Beck so far, according to Sports Illustrated.

“I was impressed with him today in terms of just hearing the play calls,” LaFleur said. “Obviously, he’s heard me speak. We’ve talked, he knows what the reads are and all that. But it’s the first time he’s ever heard the mic going into his helmet.

“So you never know how that’s going to be. I might sound muffled, (or) I might sound like whatever. I thought he did a really good job of hearing me communicate and that kind of stuff.”

Beck’s new teammate, receiver Michael Wilson, said the young quarterback is handling things well.

“I remember my first practice, like I was a little anxious and a little nervous, and that’s okay,” Wilson said. “He hasn’t done it at the NFL level yet, so naturally, like human emotion is going to tell you that you’re going to be a little nervous, but he looked great for day one.”

QB Carson Beck brings plenty to the field

One thing that bodes well for Beck is experience. He played in a ton of college games and reached the National Championship game twice.

Beck has the skills for the NFL, according to The Athletic.

“A technically sound passer with a fluid release, Beck processes well, both pre- and post-snap,” Dane Brugler wrote. “And (he) spins an accurate ball when his eyes/mechanics stay on time and connected.

“Beck is a cerebral pocket passer who can lead drives when the offense stays in rhythm. But he isn’t a proven second-reaction quarterback when things don’t go according to plan. He projects as an NFL backup and potential spot starter.”

Also, Beck needs to be better against pressure.

“His poise breaks down versus pressure, which leads to forced throws and turnovers (he accounted for a combined 14 turnovers in his six career losses),” Brugler wrote. “Though he has some mobility to buy time, he will have a tough time creating off script when facing NFL speed.”

There’s also an issue of the way teams handled him, according to The Athletic.

“I think (Miami offensive coordinator Shannon) Dawson did a good job of keeping it simple for Beck,” a Power 4 assistant coach said. “He had a lot of easy reads. You’re either going here or you’re going there. If not, pull it down and run it or throw it away.

“Beck was more confident when he was at Georgia. I think that had a lot to do with his offensive line. He made the right reads and checks to get in and out of things to keep them out of harm’s way.”

Cardinals will likely lean on Jacoby Brissett early

LaFluer knows it’s tough for a rookie to burst onto the scene and lead a team to wins. So Brissett may give the team a better chance to win in September, according to ESPN.

“LaFleur told Brissett that, for years, he has believed Brissett would be a good fit for his scheme because of his stature, his ability in the play-action game, and his capacity to get the ball out when he’s in trouble,” Josh Weinfuss wrote.

LaFleur said Brissett’s size matters.

“Just a big, big dude playing in the pocket,” LaFleur said. “He’s got the arm strength, obviously, throw it down the field, work the intermediate game that you like within this system. But also, ‘Hey, it’s falling apart, boom, I can dump it down.

“I’ve always really appreciated his game because obviously he’s not as big as Jacoby, but he can move around with his feet and get himself out of the pocket. He loves ball. I mean, the day we signed him, he wanted all the information already.”

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