The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 8 overall, despite signing Kirk Cousins in the offseason, has sparked controversy and debate. Many are questioning the move, as the team had already invested heavily in Cousins with a four-year, $180 million deal just a month prior. Some former NFL general managers believe the Falcons should have followed the “Green Bay model,” which involves drafting a quarterback later in the first round to allow time for development behind an established starter.
The immediate reaction to the Falcons’ draft choice was one of shock, as many believed the team had already found their franchise quarterback in Cousins. Some former GMs have criticized the decision, questioning the lack of foresight and adult supervision in the decision-making process. They suggest that the team could have waited to draft a quarterback in a later round after seeing how Cousins performs in the upcoming season. The comparison to the Green Bay Packers’ selection of Jordan Love as a backup to Aaron Rodgers in the 2020 draft is highlighted as a more successful model to follow.
General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have defended the decision to draft Penix, stating that while Cousins is the current starter, adding a young quarterback like Penix is about planning for the future. They referenced the Green Bay model and suggested that Penix could potentially sit behind Cousins for several years before taking over as the starter. Fontenot emphasized the importance of believing in a quarterback and taking the opportunity to draft them when available, even if it means they may not play right away.
Despite the Falcons’ attempts to justify their draft choice, some NFL executives remain skeptical of their decision-making process. Concerns have been raised about the difficulty of moving on from Cousins due to his hefty contract, especially if Penix proves to be the better option in the future. There is a fear that the team could be stuck with Cousins while knowing that Penix is the long-term answer at quarterback. Cousins himself was reportedly frustrated by the draft, hoping that the team would focus on addressing immediate needs rather than preparing for the future.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Falcons’ draft decision highlights the complexities and uncertainties that come with building a successful NFL team. The tension between developing young talent and sticking with established veterans is a constant challenge for teams to navigate. The outcome of the Falcons’ choice to draft Penix will not be known for several years, as it will depend on how both he and Cousins perform on the field. In the meantime, the team will need to manage the expectations and potential fallout from their controversial draft move.
