The Arizona Cardinals made some big improvements during the 2026 NFL Draft. Arizona supercharged their offense by adding Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round. That selection had a surprisingly big impact on Arizona’s quarterback pick later in the draft.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared intel from various league sources following the draft in his latest article. One Cardinals source explained why the organization likes rookie QB Carson Beck.

“A Cardinals source on what the franchise likes from third-round quarterback Carson Beck of Miami: ‘Size. Winner. Natural thrower. Been through some s–.’ The Cardinals believe that Beck’s struggles at Georgia and successful transition to Miami showed his resilience,” Fowler wrote. “While many around the league pegged Arizona as a Ty Simpson suitor, and the Cardinals liked him, they were also heavily scouting Beck, whose first top 30 visit was to the desert.”

Fowler also explained that Arizona’s selection of Love in the first round also impacted the Beck decision. Love’s presence made it easy for the Cardinals to address the offensive line in the second round. Arizona added guard Chase Bisontis to help open up running lanes for Love.

That made a potential Ty Simpson pick unlikely, even though he didn’t fall past the first round. As a result, Arizona eventually selected Beck in the third round.

Fowler also noted that some league sources praised the Love pick at third overall despite him playing a less valuable position.

“He’s the best player in the draft and the team sucks and needs excitement,” an AFC scout said, per Fowler. “I get it. They’ll be fine.”

Love is now the face of Arizona’s offense alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. Meanwhile, Beck will enter training camp behind Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew on the depth chart.

The Arizona Cardinals made some big improvements during the 2026 NFL Draft. Arizona supercharged their offense by adding Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round. That selection had a surprisingly big impact on Arizona’s quarterback pick later in the draft. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared intel from various league sources following the draft in his latest article.