Despite signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons take a big swing and gamble with their pick.
With the 8th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, they select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
With no trades before the 8th selection, this pick was the biggest shock so far of the 2024 NFL Draft. Atlanta gets their succession plan for life after Cousins at quarterback.
The 35-year-old is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, so getting some insurance and youth at the position was needed. With Taylor Heineke also on the roster, Penix will likely stay on the bench for as long as possible till he is needed for the upcoming 2024 season.
Atlanta Falcons: Select Quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The first major surprise: Less than two months after signing Kirk Cousins for $100 million guaranteed, the #Falcons have selected Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8.
Here’s the book on Penix, one of the most polarizing prospects in this class:https://t.co/rJFIIKWSSU pic.twitter.com/dwtUqkpLXg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2024
The Atlanta Falcons get their quarterback of the future in Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. The 23-year-old will have plenty of time to learn the playbook under veteran Kirk Cousins. At 6’2″ and 216 pounds, the lefty gunslinger brings his big arm to Atlanta.
Despite being healthy the past two seasons for the Huskies, Penix has his injury concerns, as he transferred from Indiana to Washington and has been in college football for the past six seasons.
The senior suffered four season-ending injuries from 2018 through 2021, including two ACL tears occurring on the same right knee. Penix also dealt with two season-ending shoulder injuries, including a fracture of his clavicle and A/C Joint separation in 2019 and 2021.
The Washington product had back-to-back 4,000+ passing yards with over 30 touchdowns in 2022 and 2023.
Penix was the Maxwell Award winner and First-team All-American in 2023, second-team All-Pac-12 back-to-back seasons, and AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2022.
While his injury history is lengthy, his upside could be huge if he can afford to sit for a year or two behind the veteran signal callers currently on the roster. At the moment, it seems like Penix can be a move for the new regime for the future.
Atlanta Falcons: Draft Pick Outlook 8th Overall
The Falcons won’t have to thrust Penix early in his NFL career, but it is exciting to think about him throwing to the weapons he has in Atlanta. Former first-rounders Bijan Robinson at running back, Kyle Pitts at tight end, and Drake London at wide receiver are the featured offensive pieces for new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Atlanta also signed receiver Darnell Mooney in free agency and traded for another receiver, Rondale Moore, from the Cardinals. This was in the trade when the Falcons sent quarterback Desmond Ridder to Arizona.
Although they have defensive needs with new head coach Raheem Morris, the offensive line is an underrated problem and would be the last thing to add to address their offense besides another wide receiver.
Penix should thrive eventually once Cousins retires in a year or two. I can imagine him getting the Jordan Love treatment when the Green Bay Packers took him in the first round.
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