Arizona Cardinals select quarterback Carson Beck in NFL Draft third round
The Arizona Cardinals have selected former Miami quarterback Carson Beck with the 65th overall pick in the NFL Draft, adding to a crowded quarterback room.
The NFC West franchise used the first selection of the third round to secure the prospect on Friday.
This decision complicates an already congested roster situation for the team under centre.
Beck will join a depth chart that currently features veteran Jacoby Brissett, recent free-agent acquisition Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis.
Draft strategy pivots after missing Simpson
Speculation had strongly linked Arizona to former Alabama prospect Ty Simpson in the weeks leading up to the three-day event.
Many analysts expected the organisation to trade back into the first round to secure his services.
However, the Los Angeles Rams thwarted those plans by drafting Simpson with the 13th overall pick on Thursday evening.
Brissett absence adds uncertainty
The arrival of the former Georgia standout creates further intrigue given Brissett’s ongoing contract dispute.
The experienced signal-caller, who started 12 games for the team last season, has so far boycotted the franchise’s voluntary offseason programme.
Brissett is reportedly holding out from team activities while he awaits a lucrative new deal.
A proven collegiate winner
The newly drafted rookie arrives in the professional ranks boasting an impressive 37-6 record as a starter during his university career.
The prolific passer brings elite big-game experience, having appeared in three national championship matchups.
Over 55 collegiate appearances, he accumulated 88 touchdown passes compared to just 32 interceptions.
The highly-touted prospect also recorded an exceptionally accurate 69.5% completion rate throughout his time in college.
Interestingly, his penultimate college outing took place at State Farm Stadium, which serves as the permanent home field for his new NFL employers.
