The anticipation of the Atlanta Falcons # 8 pick finally happened last night at the 2024 NFL Draft hosted by Detroit. I timed it perfectly, getting into my truck just moments before the call was made. With edge rush still a concern and a need, there were three edge rushers at the top of my list for the Falcons to take, and all three were available. Laiatu Latu from UCLA, Dallas Turner from Alabama, and Jared Verse from FSU.
The sports radio personalities let out a big ‘Wow’ when they said the pick was in, but pick hadn’t been called by Commissioner Goodell yet. My first thought was the Falcons were going local and throwing a curveball and the pick would be Tight End Brock Bowers from Georgia. But I was wrong too. The need for edge was now but the Falcons went on the notion of building for the future, selecting QB Michael Penix, Jr from the University of Washington. I was shocked, but it took me a while last night to digest this pick. According to certain sports outlets, current Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins who just signed a 4-year, 2-year guaranteed, $190 million deal, did not have any insight into this pick. I’m not sure that was the case, I think that was just talk, to stir up rumors and get people talking. Are the Falcons looking for this to be the quarterback of future, and also insurance these next two years, in case Cousin’s achilles flares up and has him out for a while. The Falcons also have Taylor Heinicke as QB as well. Heinicke will more than likely be backup if anything happens to Cousins, at least for this upcoming season.
Once I got home last night and had time to digest this pick, this actually might be a good pick. For one, there isn’t a good QB class coming out of the draft next year. So draft one when you can. Penix, Jr can learn from Cousins for the next two years. Cousins knows he isn’t the Falcons long term answer, because of age and his career will be coming to an end in the near future, probably after the Falcons stint. I have faith that Cousins will do the right thing and will be willing to mentor and teach Penix, Jr while Cousin’s is Atlanta’s QB1. Then when it is Penix, Jr’s time, hopefully he will be ready.
Penix, Jr will more than likely sign a 4-year deal. If the plan for the Falcons to keep Cousin’s only for two years, then that leaves Penix, Jr only two years to prove himself worthy of being the Falcons long-term answer at quarterback.
DAY TWO OF NFL DRAFT TONIGHT
The Falcons have three picks tonight, picking in the 2nd round (43) and two in the 3rd round (74, 79 from Jaguars). The Falcons are still in need of an edge rusher and also a cornerback. The team could also pick up a wide receiver for insurance. Georgia WR Ladd McConkey is a name that has been thrown out there, but that would be too good to be true. The Falcon organization does not draft top rated Georgia players for some reason.
Michael Penix, Jr highlights
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