The Atlanta Falcons selected former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Among those shocked by the selection is Kirk Cousins, their current projected starting quarterback.
Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, told Cousins that the Falcons called Cousins at the end of the game to let him know they were taking Penix. Athletic team. When Cousins signed with the team in the offseason, the Falcons told him they would be drafting a quarterback in the later rounds of this draft. He was shocked when they drafted him in the first round, and Cousins’ biggest concern was that the pick wouldn’t help the team in the upcoming season.
A team source revealed that Atlanta selected Penix in part because they believed they would not have the No. 1 pick in future drafts with Cousins playing center in the next few years. Competitor.
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year contract worth $180 million this offseason, including $100 million guaranteed. The 35-year-old quarterback is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Week 8 of last season. Cousins said during his introductory press conference in March that he can pass and pass, but if added, “I think the minute I have to leave the pocket you’re like, ‘Yeah, he’s still there. Recovering from Achilles tendon.
Mixed opinions on Penix
I don’t think the Falcons will use the eighth overall pick on Penix, that’s for sure, but I do think Penix is a very interesting prospect in this draft.
I interviewed two former head coaches with proven track records during the draft process, and they ranked Penix as their No. 2 quarterback in this draft, behind Caleb Williams. Few seem to agree with this assessment.
My feeling during Super Bowl week was that Penix would be out in the middle of the first round, but the recent buzz around him makes me think that’s a bit exaggerated. For quarterbacks, there could be a lot of volatility. If a team loves a guy, the team should take him. When teams feel like they’re already at the position, they don’t pick them most of the time. That’s why guys like Penix can start earlier than expected, while Aaron Rodgers has to wait longer than expected. — Mike Sando, national NFL writer
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