According to an ex-NFL GM, the Atlanta Falcons made a questionable move when they opted for Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft, despite having recently awarded QB veteran Kirk Cousins a sizeable contract.
The criticism comes on as even after handing Cousins a substantial four-year, $180 million deal marking him as their principal starter, Atlanta still proceeded with drafting another quarter back.
Given Cousins' contract practically bullet-proof for the next two years it's unlikely that Penix Jr. will fill the main quarterback position unless an injury occurs. Considering Penix Jr.'s own history of significant injuries, including multiple surgeries, his drafting was seen as a risk but the Falcons couldn't overlook his potential.
An unnamed former GM confided to The Athletic: "I'd love to know what the conversations were in Atlanta leading up to that and why there was no adult supervision."
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"Truth be told, they could be good next year with Kirk Cousins, come away with the 25th or 26th pick, and then you take a quarterback in that range. That is what Green Bay did with Jordan Love, and it is fundamentally different from what Atlanta just did."
Penix Jr. could well be 28 before he reaches the starter position, given his rather lengthy stay in college due to a series of injuries. The Falcons' decision to draft him hasn't been warmly received by their supporters who felt there were critical defensive areas to address instead - particularly after connections with Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy who was later picked up by the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite this, the Falcons management chose Penix Jr., who's expected to serve as their back-up quarterback for at least the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The 23 year old came in as the fourth choice, behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, who were the top three picks.
Kirk Cousins has been put in an uncomfortable position after the Michael Penix Jr. pick (Getty Images)Discussing future actions regarding the quarterback position, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot stated: "If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him. And if he sits for four or five years, that's a great problem to have because we're doing so well at that position. So, it's as simple as, if you see a guy you believe in at that position, you have to take him."
Some find the selection commendable given Penix Jr's exceptional passing skills and impressive throw-distance. However, others view the combination of signing Cousins along with their draft pick indicates a lack of forward planning.
One disgruntled Falcon enthusiast expressed: "The Penix Jr selection in isolation is fine. It's combined with Cousins' signing which makes it just ridiculous."
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