The Atlanta Falcons surprised many by selecting former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This decision came as a shock to their current projected starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who was informed of the selection when the team was on the clock. Cousins had been told that the Falcons would be drafting a quarterback in the later rounds, so the move to select one in the first round was unexpected. Cousins’ main concern is that the pick may not benefit the team in the immediate future.
One reason behind Atlanta’s decision to draft Penix is their belief that they may not have a high pick in future drafts with Cousins as their quarterback for the next few years. Cousins, who signed a four-year deal with the Falcons worth $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed, is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. While he has shown progress in his recovery, there are concerns about his mobility and ability to perform at his best. The selection of Penix adds a layer of uncertainty to the team’s quarterback situation moving forward.
Opinions on Penix varied among experts and analysts leading up to the draft. While some believed he was a top prospect and worthy of a first-round selection, others had him ranked lower on their draft boards. Two former head coaches considered Penix to be the second-best quarterback in the draft, behind Caleb Williams. The unpredictability of quarterback evaluations makes it difficult to predict where they will be selected in the draft. Teams that are confident in their current quarterback situation may still opt to select a talented quarterback prospect, as was the case with the Falcons and Penix.
The decision to draft Penix over other prospects reflects the volatility and unpredictability of the quarterback position in the NFL. Teams must consider their current roster, future draft positioning, and the potential of incoming prospects when making these selections. The Falcons opted to take a chance on Penix in the first round, despite the initial surprise and uncertainty surrounding the pick. As they navigate the upcoming season and beyond, the team will need to manage the quarterback situation effectively to maximize their chances of success on the field. The selection of Penix adds another element of intrigue to the Falcons’ quarterback situation, setting the stage for an intriguing development in the team’s future.
