The Atlanta Falcons surprised many by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix, who played for the Washington Huskies, finished second in the Heisman trophy voting in 2023, behind Jayden Daniels. The Falcons had been expected to choose edge rusher Dallas Turner from Alabama, but opted for a quarterback despite already signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract earlier in the offseason. Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to be the starter for the next four seasons, giving Penix time to develop and learn from the sidelines.
Despite suffering two torn ACLs in college, Penix’s talent and potential were evident in his standout 2023 season, where he led the FBS in passing yards with 4,903, along with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He guided the Huskies to the National Championship game, although they eventually fell to Michigan. Penix spent six seasons in college, with his last two at Washington after beginning his career at Indiana. In his 2022 season, he threw for 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, finishing eighth in Heisman voting that year.
The selection of Penix makes him the fourth quarterback taken in the top eight picks of the draft, joining Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye. Despite his injury history, Penix’s recent rise in draft rankings led to his selection by the Falcons, who likely view him as a potential franchise quarterback. It remains to be seen what Penix’s immediate role will be with the team and how long he will have to wait to see playing time in the NFL, but the Falcons clearly identified something special in him and were eager not to miss out on his potential.
The decision to draft Penix also reflects the Falcons’ confidence in Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, despite coming off a torn Achilles injury. In his most recent full season in 2022, Cousins threw for 4,547 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record. The Falcons’ faith in Cousins is evident in the substantial contract they offered him this offseason. With Cousins locked in as the starter for the foreseeable future, Penix will have the opportunity to develop under his guidance and potentially take the reins when the time is right.
Penix’s selection adds an interesting dynamic to the Falcons’ quarterback situation, with a promising young talent now in the mix alongside the experienced and established Cousins. The team’s decision to prioritize Penix over other positional needs like edge rusher suggests a long-term investment in the quarterback position and a commitment to building for the future. As Penix acclimates to the NFL and continues his development, he will have the chance to learn from Cousins and prepare himself for the opportunity to lead the Falcons’ offense in the years to come.
Overall, the surprising selection of Michael Penix Jr. by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft marks a bold and potentially transformative move for the franchise. With a talented and promising quarterback prospect now on their roster, the Falcons are positioning themselves for success both in the present, with Cousins at the helm, and in the future, with Penix waiting in the wings. The combination of experience and youth at the quarterback position provides the team with a strong foundation to build upon and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in Falcons football.
