Detroit, Mich. (92.9 The Game/WGR 550) - The pick is in, and it certainly surprised many around the football world.
With the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr out of the University of Washington.
The move comes as a shock, as the team has glaring needs at defensive end, cornerback and secondary depth. Penix Jr., however, proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football during his time with the Huskies.
Penix Jr. threw for an impressive 4,900 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in 2023, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. He showed poise and confidence as a true passer, but stumbled in the National Title game against the University of Michigan, and appeared to be thrown off his game.
He will now be able to sit and learn behind Kirk Cousins, who the team paid $100 million guaranteed this offseason on a four-year contract.
The team presumably will now pivot to defense with their next several picks. The glaring needs combined with lack of cap space make it all but a lock the team will pursue several defenders in the next several rounds.