Kirk Cousins signed a big deal with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, and could have gotten some help from the team with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Instead, the Falcons acquired a replacement for Cousins.
Less than two months after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, the Falcons made a big surprise by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the draft. I accomplished it.
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Cousins is 36 years old and suffering from a torn Achilles tendon. But it’s still shocking to see the Falcons start a quarterback over a player like receiver Roma Odunze or even a pass rusher like Dallas Turner.
Things are starting to get a little awkward in Atlanta’s quarterback room.
Michael Penix Jr. overcomes injury
Penix seemed to be in college forever. He played in three games for Indiana University in 2018. It was the first of six seasons of college football in which he appeared in a game.
When Penix left Indiana after four seasons, it was unlikely he would be the quarterback drafted. He had four touchdowns and seven interceptions in his final season with the Hoosiers. He had torn his right anterior cruciate ligament twice.
Penix’s career changed in Washington. He threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns in two seasons with the Huskies. He has twice finished in the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting, including second place last season. He also led Washington to the College Football Playoff title game. Penix’s great performance in the semifinal win over Texas was the first exposure to his game for many casual college football fans, and it was memorable.
Penix’s injury history and age (he turns 24 on May 8) were disadvantages to him during the draft process. In addition to two ACL injuries, he suffered season-ending injuries to his collarbone and AC joint in his shoulder. That’s a lot of money for an NFL team looking to use a high pick on him.
But Penix’s game tape can’t be ignored either. He has incredible arm strength and was extremely productive in Washington. If Penix’s health cooperates, he has the tools to be a productive player in the NFL.
But he’ll have to wait a bit behind Cousins.
penix must sit
Penix’s age is another reason why the Falcons’ pick was strange. If Cousins starts two seasons with the Falcons, Penix will be 26 years old when he becomes Atlanta’s starter. It’s unusual for him to be selected with at least the eighth overall pick and not be confirmed as a starter until he’s at least 26 years old.
It was also surprising that Penix was left out as the fourth quarterback. JJ McCarthy was expected by many to be the starting QB behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, but Penix was selected ahead of the Michigan QB. McCarthy went No. 10 to the Minnesota Vikings, who traded his pick to the New York Jets.
Drafts always bring surprises. The Falcons had a shocking turn of events on Thursday night. Cousins may have been the most surprising.
