The hoopla, hysteria and general hype around the NFL Draft is unrivaled. Thursday’s first round will be filled with the usual pomp and circumstance with stylish suits, neck-draped flashy bling, main-stage struts, Roger Goodell bro hugs and lifelong dreams realized. However, selfish gamers only care about one thing — Where does the rookie rank in the fantasy pecking order? Here’s instant analysis of Penix in the Falcons offense.
No. 8 overall pick — Michael Penix, QB, Atlanta Falcons
This CEO of #TeamHuevos is willing to shout it out loud. Ten years from now, Penix will be widely considered the first or second best quarterback in 2024’s loaded class.
Because he’s a portsider, naysayers believe his delivery is unconventional and generally wonky. However, his arm strength, confidence and aggressiveness say otherwise. He repeatedly bombarded college defenses downfield and on sideline outs with the Huskies last year. Not surprisingly, he finished 2023 in the top 10 in big-time throw rate among D1 passers.
His mechanics and footwork admittedly need some refinement, but only subtle tweaks. He may only be an opportunistic scrambler, but with plus-mobility, he has 3-5 rush TD appeal. Most importantly, he has a 4,000-yard, 25-TD season in his future. How soon will that come playing behind Kirk Cousins? It’s within the range of outcomes in the next three to four years.
Penix is one injury away from making a significant instant impact.