Kirk Cousins was ‘stunned’ by Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons held the No. 8 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday evening with plenty of holes to fill defensively. Well, they thought differently, selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — who was viewed as a debatable first-round talent due to his age (23) and injury history (yikes!) — months after signing 35-year-old-veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency.
It shocked the entire NFL world–Kirk Cousins included, who reportedly didn’t hear that the Falcons would draft his potential heir apparent until moments before the selection was made.
I understand Atlanta warning Cousins that they would possibly take his successor within the next couple years. But, from what we know, there weren’t extensive conversations had with their new signal caller about that possible successor coming this year with their top overall selection, which is poor process given you just paid him $180 million.
Not to mention, accounting for Atlanta’s needs defensively, it’s poor process from a roster-building perspective. Sometimes, the best time to draft a quarterback is when you don’t need one, but you still need to hit on these top picks to help out your new $180 million quarterback coming off a torn achilles injury–not draft his replacement (also with an injury history) with your first selection.
Penix was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last year, which ultimately went to LSU’s Jayden Daniels (drafted by Washington No. 2 overall). He completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his sixth-and-final collegiate season, leading Washington to a National Title appearance. He was dubbed the No. 7 signal caller on Trey’s quarterback rankings.
The Falcons still own three Day 2 picks–including the 11th selection of the second round (No. 43)–and four Day 3 picks to shore up any deficiencies. There were a record 23 offensive players drafted in the first round. Thus, there’s plenty of defensive talent left on the board: Johnny Newton, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Edgerrin Cooper, Payton Wilson, Kris Jenkins and Chris Braswell, among plenty others. Help Cousins out! Build around Cousins–NOT draft Spencer Rattler or Joe Milton–with your next pick, Atlanta.
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