The 2023 NFL Draft was filled with surprises, but one pick stood out as a true shocker. When the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eight overall pick, it left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
The selection of Penix Jr. by Atlanta as the fifth quarterback in the draft was a shocker for several reasons. After all, the team had just signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins, while expensive, was expected to be the starter for the next few seasons. During that period of time, it is hoped that Penix Jr. will develop and grow into an elite quarterback.
Quarterback-Rich 2024 Draft
There were six quarterbacks taken in the first twelve picks in Thursday night’s NFL Draft. Caleb Williams from USC was selected by the Chicago Bears, and was followed by quarterback, Jayden Daniels, by the Washington Commanders. After hearing draft offers from the New York Giants, the New England Patriots decided to draft quarterback Drake Maye. The Arizona Cardinals halted the quarterback run with the selection of wide receiver. Marvin Harrison, Jr at four.
The New York Giants at six, staring at potential quarterback stars J, J, McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr, or even Bo Nix decided to go with a conventional pick, wide receiver Malik Nabers. By not drafting a quarterback, General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll have married their future with the success and health of current quarterback Daniel Jones. To his credit, Schoen tried to make a trade with New England for the third pick, but was unable to consummate a deal. For the Giants front office, it was either Drake May or no one. Nabers from LSU reminds fans of a receiver that had huge success previously for the Giants, Odell Beckham, Jr. Last season Nabers had 89 receptions for 1,536 yards. Nabers is not no one.
Shocker: Atlanta selects quarterback
It is the Atlanta Falcons, in selecting the 4th quarterback in the draft that supplied the shocker. The astounding part is that veteran free agent Kirk Cousins is due $90 million this year. By most standards, a staggering amount of money. Did the Falcons have a change of heart in their belief in Kirk Cousins? We may never truly know the entire story.
The more one watches film of Penix, the more there is to like. Penix Jr. is a viable talented prospect with elite arm talent. This past year Penix Jr. completed 65.4% of his passes for 4904 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. In 2022 he completed 65.3% of his passes for 4,641 yards with 31 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions. Two monstrous years.
These numbers should intrigue a franchise. Atlanta obliged and took a second look at the southpaw. While he is relative old for a prospect coming out of college at almost 24 years of age, teams also feared his injury history. Two ACL tears as well as several shoulder injuries dulled the attraction of Penix, Jr. to many teams. Penix. Jr., who had been injured multiple seasons while at Indiana has proven himself the last two seasons while playing for the University of Washington.
While the pick of Michael Penix, Jr. was undoubtedly a shocker, the Falcons are betting on his potential. If their gamble pays off, they may have secured their quarterback of the future. Only time will tell if this shocker was a brilliant move or a costly mistake.
Barry Schustermann
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