Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix: Which QB Should Be Drafted First? (NFL Draft 2024)
NFL Draft 2024

Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix: Which QB Should Be Drafted First?

Photos Courtesy of USA Today Sports
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The race remains ongoing to be the fifth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft between Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. The Chicago Bears are going to select Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. Some combination of Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy will round out the other quarterback selections throughout the top 10. Penix Jr. should be the next quarterback drafted.

Penix Jr. is the more pro-ready quarterback prospect after enjoying an outstanding 2023 campaign. The Tampa, Florida native led the nation in passing yards (4,903) and finished third in touchdowns (36). The Huskies averaged 36 points per game en route to a National Championship appearance.

Penix Jr. thrived within the structure of Washington's offense. He's a precise quarterback who accurately attacks all three levels of the field. Penix Jr. showcases terrific confidence when driving throws into tight throwing windows. Arm talent is evident in abundance as Penix Jr. was arguably the best deep-ball thrower in all of college football last season. Touch, timing, and zip are routinely on display.

Several QB-needy teams are showing legitimate interest in Penix Jr. throughout the pre-draft process. The Vikings (No. 11 and 23) reportedly flew out their entire staff for a private workout with Penix Jr. in Seattle. Penix Jr. also has pre-draft 30 visits with the Broncos (No. 12), Raiders (No. 13), and Giants (No. 6), among others.

The fit between the Vikings and Penix Jr. particularly qualifies as intriguing. Head coach Kevin O'Connell runs a QB-friendly offense that Penix Jr. fits systematically. The Vikings are considered strong candidates to pair their two first-round selections to move up into the top five for a quarterback like McCarthy or Maye. Perhaps there's an argument to be made for the Vikings to stick and pick Penix Jr. at No. 11. He'd be inheriting a supporting cast that includes Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Addison.

The Broncos and Raiders are equally as desperate for a franchise quarterback after moving on from their underperforming veterans earlier this offseason. The Broncos may not have the draft capital to move up. Penix Jr. is a possibility at No. 12 overall.

Penix Jr. answered questions regarding his athleticism through an eye-opening performance at Washington's Pro Day. Penix Jr. ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing-fast 4.58 seconds with a 1.58 10-yard split. The left-handed gunslinger also had a 36.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. All four of those results would have finished in first place among all participating quarterbacks at the NFL Combine. Penix Jr. is a much better athlete than he gets credit for.

The 2024 class of quarterbacks is littered with depth. It's within the realm of possibility that four quarterbacks make up the top four selections. Penix Jr. and Nix will attempt to make it five or six first-round quarterbacks. Penix Jr. should be considered an excellent consolation prize for any team that misses out on the perceived top-four signal callers. Don't be stunned if he eventually outperforms some of the quarterbacks who are drafted in front of him.



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