Why Did Falcons Draft Michael Penix Jr.? (NFL Draft 2024)
NFL Draft 2024

Why Did Falcons Draft Michael Penix Jr.?

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Amidst the whirlwind of the 2024 NFL Draft, one moment captured the attention of football fans across the nation: the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr. as the eighth overall pick. It was a move that certainly elicited surprise and disbelief, as dramatic shouts of “What!” “No way!” and “Why?” fell over the hundreds of thousands of fans in Detroit and millions more watching on television.

The Falcons had recently signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in March, a little more than a month before drafting rookie Penix Jr. For the Falcons, the decision to draft a rookie quarterback with Cousins already in place seemed nothing short of perplexing. Yet, there is always a strategy that drives these picks.

The Falcons had a long-standing need for a successor to their last franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan. Ryan’s departure left a void at the quarterback position, one that the team had failed to address adequately in recent years—the combination of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke left them in seven-win purgatory. The team needed to find a future leader, someone capable of guiding the team to sustained success in the post-Ryan era. 

Enter Penix Jr., a promising talent with a cannon arm and pinpoint accuracy. Despite concerns about his injury history, Penix Jr.’s performances at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day showcased his athleticism and potential. With six college seasons under his belt, his lengthy collegiate background enhanced his appeal as a professional prospect. However, he was not anticipated to be a first-round lock at the start of the offseason, much less a top-10 pick overall.

The decision to draft Penix Jr. over addressing other needs, such as an edge rusher or a cornerback, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Even as the Falcons faced a barrage of questions and criticisms regarding their draft strategy, they remained steadfast in their belief they had made the right decision for the team’s long-term success to build the future of their franchise with both Cousins and Penix Jr. leading the way.

With Cousins serving as the immediate starter for the Falcons, Penix Jr. has the opportunity to learn and develop behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth transition when the time is right to become the Falcons’ long-term solution at quarterback. Atlanta’s front office prioritized the potential for long-term quarterback stability over everything else.

In the end, only time will tell whether the Falcons’ gamble on Penix Jr. pays off. But amidst the uncertainty and speculation, it remains clear that Atlanta is betting on a future filled with promise and potential.



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