The most puzzling move in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft came at pick No. 8 when the Atlanta Falcons took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from the University of Washington.
They had just signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract weeks ago, which led many to ask what in the world the Falcons were thinking.
It also immediately led to speculation and reports that Cousins was unhappy with the decision, but Penix said per SiriusXM NFL Radio that Cousins reached out to him and congratulated him.
.@AtlantaFalcons QB Michael Penix Jr. tells us he heard from Kirk Cousins shortly after being selected by Atlanta and is looking forward to learning from the veteran QB…
📻 https://t.co/8wIQbWMYOt#NFLDraft | #RiseUp | @TheMikePenix pic.twitter.com/KrxBEgLJbR
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) April 26, 2024
One could argue that drafting Penix wasn’t a bad move, as Cousins is 35 and is coming off a torn Achilles, an injury that always has the potential to essentially end one’s career.
Penix won’t be a starter this fall unless Cousins is unable to play in Week 1 or gets hurt again, which will give him the luxury of being able to watch and learn for a period of time instead of having to sink or swim right away.
It’s what star QBs such as Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts did when they were rookies, and apparently, it helped them be ready and prepared later on.
Penix had a very productive season this past fall with Washington and led it to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and he is joining a Falcons team that suddenly looks solid.
The Falcons have an excellent young running back in Bijan Robinson, a solid young wide receiver in Drake London, and a reliable tight end in Kyle Pitts, and some good quarterbacking could result in them winning the NFC South this coming season.
