The Atlanta Falcons surprised many by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the top-15 of the NFL Draft, despite already having signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal with $180 million. Super Bowl winner Trent Dilfer has praised the move, likening it to the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love succession plan adopted by the Green Bay Packers. Dilfer believes that Cousins will mentor Penix and help him develop as a quarterback over time, leading the Falcons to long-term success rather than focusing on immediate results.
Dilfer acknowledges that Penix has areas of his game that he needs to improve upon, particularly in terms of discipline and structure. However, he believes that sitting behind a precise quarterback like Cousins will benefit Penix greatly, allowing him to learn from an expert in the craft. Cousins was reportedly stunned by the Falcons’ decision to draft Penix, as he did not expect his potential successor to be chosen in the first round. It is worth noting that both Cousins and Penix have dealt with serious injuries in the past, with Penix suffering multiple ACL tears and other injuries throughout his career.
During his time at Washington, Penix put up impressive numbers, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the last season. Despite falling short in the national championship game, Penix’s performance with a high-octane offense caught the attention of NFL teams, ultimately leading to his selection by the Falcons. It is clear that the team is looking towards the future with the choice of Penix, aiming to build a contender for years to come rather than focusing solely on the present.
The decision to draft Penix highlights the Falcons’ commitment to long-term success and their belief in his potential as a franchise quarterback. While some may question the move given Cousins’ recent contract extension, Dilfer and others see it as a wise investment in the team’s future. With the guidance of Cousins and the opportunity to learn and grow behind an experienced quarterback, Penix has the potential to develop into a key player for the Falcons in the years to come.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are focused on building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl championship for years to come. By selecting Penix in the first round of the draft, the team is investing in his development as a quarterback and laying the foundation for long-term success. With the guidance of Cousins and the opportunity to learn from his experience, Penix has the potential to become a franchise quarterback and lead the Falcons to future success on the field. Overall, the selection of Penix represents a strategic move by the Falcons to secure their future and build a competitive team for years to come.
