In retrospect, Michael Penix Jr. was never going to have to wait until Friday to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL draft. There was too much magic in that national championship run. There were too many quotes from coaches around the league, who raved about Penix’s makeup and abilities. He passed the medical checks and shone in interviews.
He was never going to make it out of the first round.
And he didn’t. The Atlanta Falcons made Penix their quarterback of the future with the No. 8 overall pick, displaying faith in the Washington legend to bring some of that trademark magic, mentality, and makeup to their franchise. Penix is lauded as a leader and a competitor, traits that made him a favorite of coaches even if scouts were worried about his longevity.
But Penix played two injury-free seasons at Washington. And in those two seasons, he did everything you could possibly expect out of a quarterback. He elevated Indiana to heights they hadn’t seen in years, then came to Montlake and elevated the Huskies to a national title contender.
It seems foolish to bet against him elevating the Falcons next, even with quarterback Kirk Cousins under contract for the next four seasons.
Penix headed to the ATL. pic.twitter.com/KpHBrTUyVB
— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024