Prior to the NFL Draft, rumors swirled that the Arizona Cardinals would look to make a move to select Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. Then, a division rival, the Los Angeles Rams, swooped in and never let that happen, taking him No. 13 overall.
That pick may have been a surprise to many experts and fans. After all, Simpson will be a backup as a rookie, not helping a team with Super Bowl hopes in 2026. However, new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur wasn’t surprised at all.
Recently, LaFleur poked fun at Rams head coach Sean McVay. This is after McVay’s reaction to the pick seemed frustrated, though LaFleur knows that he loves the Simpson pick.
“I was surprised at Mr. Grumpy that night because I know how excited he is about that quarterback,” LaFleur said. “He always really liked that quarterback.”
If there is anyone who knows what McVay is thinking, it would be LaFleur. For the last three seasons, he was McVay’s offensive coordinator, after all. It’s that same connection that made many analysts think that Simpson would fit into either one of the coaches’ respective offenses.
The Arizona Cardinals Pivoted From Ty Simpson to Carson Beck at Quarterback
GettyArizona Cardinals draft pick Carson Beck
The Arizona Cardinals were never going to use the No. 3 overall pick on Ty Simpson. However, had he slipped into the late first or early second round, then there was a good chance that the Cardinals would have pulled the trigger on him.
When he went earlier than many expected, the Cardinals were forced to pivot. There, they’d eventually land on Carson Beck.
Beck was a veteran college quarterback who had been rising up draft boards. This came after he bounced back from an elbow injury by transferring from Georgia to Miami and then leading the Hurricanes to a national championship. He finished that season with 3,813 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.
Now, Beck will have the opportunity to compete with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew for the starting job. Of course, that is if the Cardinals don’t look for another option at quarterback.
Mike LaFleur on the Cardinals Selecting Carson Beck
GettyArizona Cardinals Draft Pick Carson Beck
In the end, it was a third-round pick that the Cardinals used on Beck. Shortly after that, LaFleur took the time to praise his new signal caller.
“He’s a big, solid dude,” LaFleur said. “I mean, he’s 6-foot-4, he’s 235 pounds. He looks the part, right? That doesn’t mean that that’s the end all be all by any means. Natural thrower, he’s tough.”
LaFleur also went on to highlight that Beck has something most quarterbacks don’t. That’s experience, and it can’t be taught. It’s only gained in time.
“I think one of the coolest things about him, especially after being around him… He’s been through those big games, but he’s been through some adversity, too. That’s well-documented, it’s out there,” LaFleur said. “And I think he’s gotten better from it.”
Only time will tell if Beck works out for the Cardinals or if Simpson works out for the Rams. They both likely need some time to transition, but if those picks do work out, then the NFC West could have its next great QB rivalry.
Cardinals Head Coach Mike LaFleur Reacts to Rams Picking QB Ty Simpson