Atlanta Falcons Kyle Pitts Reacts To Team’s Controversial 1st Round Pick

Atlanta Falcons Kyle Pitts

The Atlanta Falcons gave NFL fans the biggest shock of the night. With the eighth overall pick, the team selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. While many had him as a first-round player, no one expected him to go in the top ten. What made it even more shocking was the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a huge deal in the offseason. Star tight end Kyle Pitts was on an NFL Draft live stream and reacted in real-time to the pick.

Atlanta Falcons Kyle Pitts On Penix Jr.

https://gty.im/2055669884

Kyle Pitts was on a live stream through Bleacher Report on Thursday night. Everyone else on the stream was shocked, but Pitts put a positive spin on the Atlanta Falcons pick.

“That’s a slinger right there, man.”

“Now, as a younger guy who loves to hang around older people, I think this is great for him to learn from such a professional like Kirk and see how he operates in the building on and off the field. He’s a great young player. I’ve been watching him.”

Pitts admitted that he was shocked but doesn’t hate the pick as some analysts do. He sees the potential that Penix has in the NFL. Getting to sit behind a veteran like Cousins could help his development. Why is the pick controversial? It all comes down to value.

Value Vs. Cost

https://gty.im/1887657933

It isn’t a bad plan for the Atlanta Falcons to find a backup quarterback. Cousins is older and coming off a serious injury. In the past two years, the league has set records for the number of quarterbacks who have started a game. However, this pick doesn’t make much sense. Penix is already 24. Even if Cousins only plays two years, Penix will be 26 before he takes over as the starting quarterback. Developing quarterbacks is a good idea, but not at this age and with his injury history.

The Atlanta Falcons also had needs in other places on the roster. Their pass rush needed help, and they would have had their pick of the top edge rushers. AJ Terrell is there, but adding depth at cornerback might have provided more value. The team essentially said that they are okay with the eighth overall pick sitting for a couple of years instead of taking a player who can help them right now.

Final Thoughts

Only time will tell if the Atlanta Falcons made the right choice. Penix could be amazing. Cousins could not be fully recovered, and the Washington quarterback could have to step in right away. If he is the most pro-ready quarterback, this could look like a genius move. However, too much has to go right for this to be a good pick.

More than likely, this pick is questioned down the road. The draft isn’t over. The Atlanta Falcons could nail the rest of the draft, making their first-round pick not look as bad. Kyle Pitts is excited about the pick and he should try and gift some of that excitement to fans.

For More Great Sports Content

Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. It does not matter what sport he is talking about; he tends to be an expert in it. When he is not glued to following sports, he is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.

Follow him on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @TotalApexSports. Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things sports and entertainment. Check out Total Apex Bets, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Gaming, and Total Apex Entertainment for full coverage of the sports and entertainment sphere. 

Scroll to Top