It’s incomprehensible. A rather puzzling use of the No. 8 overall pick. After signing Kirk Cousins, it was a bit of a shock that the Falcons used the pick on a backup quarterback instead of acquiring a player who could play this year. Unless the Cousins deal turns into a disaster, it will be years before the Falcons see Michael Penix Jr. on the field. This team is not ready for such resource allocation. The Falcons also didn’t land a cornerback in this draft, but they made some very solid picks along the defensive line that should ultimately help stabilize that position group. That’s the only reason defensive line picks aren’t rated F.
Favorite player: Brandon Doras, DL, Oregon State (109th overall)
Dorrus could be a steal for the Falcons, giving them some pass-rushing versatility inside. He can play all over the defensive line, and many projections expected him to play at a much higher level than this. Doras is an explosive athlete who could play a big role in the Falcons’ new defense as a rookie. A great pickup for the Falcons that could have saved their draft class.
Least favorite player: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (8th overall)
Beyond the resource allocation of a 7-10 team benching a top-10 pick for multiple seasons, it’s fair to question whether Penix was truly worth the pick. He played six seasons in college and suffered several season-ending injuries, but has sparked success in Washington over the past two seasons. Penix was also fortunate enough to play in an offense that drafted two tackles and three wide receivers, including two first-rounders (Roman Odunze and Troy Fautanu). It was included. To be worthy of this pick, Penix will need to become more consistently accurate and a more dynamic playmaker when things break down around him. He has some nice traits, like a strong shoulder and accuracy on the sideline, but it’s natural to be wary of the profile of a prospect without a track record of significant success in the NFL.
draft pick
Round 1, Pick 8: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington.
Round 2, Pick 35: Luke Oluholo, DL, Clemson.
Round 3, Pick 74: Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington.
Round 4, Pick 109: Brandon Dorus, DL, Oregon State
Round 5, Pick 143: JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame.
Round 6, Pick 186: Jace McClellan, RB, Alabama
Round 6, Pick 187: Casey Washington, WR, Illinois State
Round 6, Pick 197: Zion Logue, DL, Georgia State.
