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The Patriots are squeezing in one final quarterback visit before the pre-draft meeting window closes this week.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New England and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had dinner on Monday night and will meet for an official pre-draft visit on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.
Said meeting is the first reported interest the Patriots have had in the former Husky. The two sides did not link up at the 2024 NFL Combine in February, and New England sent only director of college scouting Camren Wolf to the Washington Pro Day last month.
Penix spent the last two seasons with Washington following a four-year, injury riddled stint at the University of Indiana. In 28 games as the starter in Seattle, Penix went 25-3 while throwing for over 9,500 yards. In 2023, the lefty tallied 36 touchdowns, was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, and led UW to a spot in the National Championship.
After a sub-par performance at the Senior Bowl, Penix once again gained some ground in the quarterback class with a solid performance at the Combine. Not only did he notch a 10.5-inch hand (top-10 all-time), but his medicals checked out after two ACL tears with the Hoosiers. A solid 40-time (4.45 seconds) and a quality throwing session at his Pro Day last month now have him continuously climbing up draft boards.
Tuesday's reported meeting with Penix will be the Patriots' fourth on-site visit with a quarterback this draft cycle. They've already met with UNC's Drake Maye, LSU's Jayden Daniels, and Michigan's JJ. McCarthy. New England holds the No. 3 overall pick and many predict they're looking to take their signal caller of the future.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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