Not only did the Falcons pass on prime receiving targets, Rome Odunze and Brock Bowers, with the selection of Penix at #8, but they had their choice of all the defensive players in the draft – as each of the prior 7 picks had been on the offensive side of the ball.
Atlanta’s general manager and head coach duo, Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris, point to the work done by the Green Bay Packers, where they selected Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick to back up future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers, for 3 years, just as a Rodgers once did for former incumbent, Brett Favre.
However, these two scenarios are not directly comparable. The NFL trade value chart shows a significant difference in value between the 8th and the 26th overall picks. To move from the 26th to the 8th spot in the draft, you’d need to offer additional picks equivalent to the value of the 26th pick. This indicates that the Falcons invested about twice the draft capital in Michael Penix Jr. as the Packers did for Jordan Love.
Unlike Love, who was a raw talent at age 21 and needed to work on key aspects like footwork, reading defenses, and learning schemes, Penix is a seasoned veteran with five years of starting experience. Jordan Palmer even noted that when Love entered the 2020 draft, he didn’t know how to run a two-minute drill. In contrast, Penix, who will soon turn 24, is considered one of the most prepared quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class, thanks to his extensive experience and understanding of the game.
So, it was somewhat of a head scratcher for many in NFL punditry and front offices alike, especially if Kirk Cousins is expected to man the QB reins, even as Penix Jr sits on the bench, ready to go.
Although Cousins is firmly established as the starter, a strong training camp or impressive short-term performance by Penix could put the Falcons in a tricky spot with their quarterback lineup, according to Morris. With Cousins recovering from a serious Achilles injury he suffered in October, any setbacks could give Penix a chance to stand out in August and September, potentially leading to a longer-term role.
On the other hand, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport presents a different scenario. Even if Cousins recovers fully and remains healthy, he could be traded sooner rather than later. This possibility complicates the Falcons’ quarterback planning and could create an opportunity for Penix to become a significant part of the team’s future.
