Jay Gruden Weighs In On Falcons’ Surprising QB Draft Pick Amid Cousins Signing Confusion

Former NFL head coach Jay Gruden discussed the Atlanta Falcons’ unexpected decision to draft quarterback Michael Penix Jr. With the No. 8 overall pick on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich.” The move left many fans and analysts puzzled, especially after signing Kirk Cousins in March for a reported $180 million contract over four years. Gruden, who navigated a similar situation when Washington selected Robert Griffin III second overall in 2012 followed by Kirk Cousins in the fourth round, shared his thoughts on Atlanta’s draft strategy. “I think this way what the Falcons did is a little bit odd to me, especially with all the needs they had on defense,” Gruden said. However, he acknowledged that teams are desperate for finding their quarterback of the future and must take chances when presented with opportunities. Penix has expressed his readiness to play if given the chance and promised not to miss a beat in terms of performance whenever called upon by the Falcons coaching staff. While some analysts have praised Penix’s talent, others question whether he is truly ready for NFL action due to injury concerns during college football seasons. Nonetheless, Gruden believes that “everything on the field,” as far as quarterback prospects go in this draft class, points towards Penix being a standout player with tremendous potential.