Some might call it a reach, but the Atlanta Falcons did the right thing by selecting Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Even though the organization signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180-million fully guaranteed deal in the offseason, there are serious questions about the 35-year-old’s future after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October.
Penix, who after suffering multiple season-ending injuries early in his career, stayed healthy for the entirety of his Washington career and got a clean bill of health at the NFL combine in late February.
Even if he has to sit behind Cousins for any period of time, Atlanta can provide Penix with one of the best supporting casts in the NFL. The Falcons have invested heavily in offensive weapons, using the No. 4 pick on tight end Kyle Pitts in 2021, and then utilizing the No. 8 overall picks in back-to-back years on wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson.
The moment back home when @themikepenix name was called. #BeAPro pic.twitter.com/LKVmoIJARr
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) April 26, 2024
Behind one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, anchored by another Washington product in right tackle Kaleb McGary, the Falcons may have found their franchise quarterback in Penix. The only question is, when will he see the field?