The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL world by drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, leaving Kirk Cousins, who signed a lucrative contract with the team in free agency, in the dark. Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, revealed that the veteran quarterback had no prior knowledge of the Falcons’ plans to select Penix Jr., expressing surprise at the unexpected move.
The Atlanta Falcons have signed Kirk Cousins as their franchise quarterback but also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, raising questions about their succession plan. While the Packers’ success with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love serves as an example, the Falcons’ situation is different. Rodgers and Love were both late first-round picks, while Penix Jr. was selected eighth overall just months after Cousins received a four-year, $180 million contract. This allocation of resources seems excessive, especially considering Penix Jr. will be 28 when Cousins’ contract expires.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL draft has sent shockwaves through the league, with quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly surprised and stunned. The Falcons had recently signed Cousins to a lucrative contract, making his replacement in the first round an unexpected move.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal just months prior, the Falcons’ move appears to be a long-term strategy aimed at developing a succession plan. However, the heavy investment in the quarterback position has drawn criticism given the team’s other pressing needs.
The Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows. Despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal just months prior, the Falcons’ move appears to be a long-term strategy aimed at developing a succession plan. However, the heavy investment in the quarterback position has drawn criticism given the team’s other pressing needs.
Michael Penix Jr., the prolific Washington quarterback, has garnered significant first-round hype in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite his injury history, his stellar 2022 season has propelled him into draft consideration. While his dynamic passing abilities and big-time throw rate are impressive, concerns linger regarding his inconsistent ball placement, accuracy under pressure, and limited mobility. DraftKings odds currently favor Penix as a first-round pick, with the Raiders, Vikings, Seahawks, Broncos, and Patriots emerging as potential landing spots. However, skepticism remains about his ability to sustain success at the NFL level, with comparisons drawn to past quarterback prospects who failed to meet expectations. The Giants and Dolphins present potential fits on Day 2 of the draft, depending on team needs and quarterback situations.
As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation mounts around the potential quarterback selection by the New England Patriots. Both Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN suggest the Patriots may trade out of the No. 3 overall pick.
With the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft approaching, Yardbarker NFL writers provide intel and bold predictions for every team in the AFC. Teams to watch include the Buffalo Bills, who may double dip on wide receivers early, and the Miami Dolphins, who could trade out of the first round. The New York Jets may pass on Georgia TE Brock Bowers in favor of Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga, while the New England Patriots could trade up with the Giants to select Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
The Los Angeles Rams are rumored to be in the market for a young quarterback in the upcoming draft, according to NFL Insider Ari Meirov. With Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his contract and Sean McVay’s long-term commitment to the team, the Rams are reportedly seeking a successor under center. Meirov suggests that Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix could be targeted at the 19th overall pick, depending on the draft board’s movement.
The 2024 NFL Draft’s incoming quarterback class remains a highly touted group, with several top prospects expected to be selected among the first five picks. However, speculation surrounding the remaining top-10 quarterbacks continues, particularly regarding Michael Penix Jr. of Washington. Initially projected as a second-round pick, Penix Jr. is now being considered a first-round prospect in mock drafts, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes he could be a target for teams looking for a quarterback without trading up for someone like J.J. McCarthy. Among those potential suitors are the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a quarterback and could select Penix Jr. at No. 13 overall. However, the Denver Broncos, picking at No. 12, could also be interested in Penix Jr., especially considering their need for a quarterback. Oregon’s Bo Nix is another quarterback to watch, and while he could potentially end up with the New York Giants at No. 6, there is a chance he and Penix Jr. could both fall to the Broncos and Raiders, respectively. With 4,903 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2023, Penix Jr. possesses the statistical performance and talent to be a first-round pick. Fowler suggests that teams should not anticipate him going high in the second round, indicating he will likely be selected in the first round. The Raiders may even consider trading up to secure Penix Jr. if they believe he can be their franchise quarterback of the future.
