Of all the teams in the top-15 of the NFL Draft order, the Atlanta Falcons surprised many when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. From Washington with the eighth overall pick. This move came despite the fact that the team had already signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million, including $100 million guaranteed in the first two years of the contract.
While some criticized the Falcons for this decision, Super Bowl winner Trent Dilfer sees it differently. He believes that Atlanta’s plan is similar to what Green Bay did with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, as Cousins will play at a high level while Penix learns from him behind the scenes.
Dilfer explained on OutKick’s “Hot Mic” podcast this week: “When they looked into the future… They’re looking three, four, five, six, seven years down the line here, they’re looking to become Super Bowl contenders for a decade, not just change their franchise now. And because of that, I think it was a really good pick.”
Dilfer believes Penix has plenty of raw talent and potential but needs improvement in areas like discipline and structure on the field. He feels Cousins is the perfect person to help Penix develop into a more mature quarterback due to his own expertise at the position. Dilfer added: “My career would have been totally different if I would’ve sat there and played with an expert in his craft and learn all the tricks of the trade from somebody like that.”
It should be noted, however, that Cousins did understand that Atlanta might select a quarterback but thought it would not happen in round one. When Penix was ultimately chosen while Cousins recovers from a torn Achilles injury, he reportedly felt “stunned”.
Penix has had his fair share of injuries as well; besides the serious knee issues that plagued him during his time at Indiana, he also suffered a clavicle fracture in 2019 and an A/C joint separation in 2021. However, last season with Washington, Penix led one of the most potent offenses in college football, throwing for over 4,903 yards, completing 36 touchdowns and tossing eleven interceptions. This outstanding performance helped lead his team to a national championship appearance but ultimately fell short against Michigan.
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