With the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons shocked the sports world by selecting former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta had already given free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins a mega-deal worth $180 million over four years with $100 million guaranteed.
Then, just over a month later, the franchise drafted his successor.
To say the pick was mocked by much of the sports media is an understatement.
However, some talking heads think the Falcons made a smart decision.
Former quarterback Robert Griffin III, the 2012 second-overall pick, shared on Twitter that Falcons fans should be “ecstatic” about Penix.
Atlanta Falcons fans should be ECSTATIC that they got Michael Penix Jr. He is the best PURE PASSER in this draft class and can throw to and through windows no other QB in this class can. Kirk Cousins is the now. Penix is the future. And that’s okay. pic.twitter.com/W6vnElN7r8
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 26, 2024
After showing the viewing audience a few clips of Penix highlights from the 2023 season, Griffin gave his take on the passer.
“He is the most pure passer in this draft class,” Griffin said.
In the minds of those who like the Falcons’ selection, Atlanta is preparing for the future now because of a strong quarterback class.
In their minds, there’s no guarantee that a player like Penix will be an available option for the Falcons in three to four years.
Before getting hurt this past season, Cousins had not missed a game as a starter in his entire career.
Assuming he returns on time and remains durable, it’s likely Penix will wait a few years before becoming the Dirty Birds’ full-time starter.
The Green Bay Packers have taken this route twice, with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.
Both quarterbacks had to wait until their fourth years before they became full-time starters.
Yet, because of those decisions by the team, the Packers have sustained good quarterback play since Brett Favre took over in the early 1990s.
