Herbsteit Defends Falcons’ Pick of Michael Penix Jr., Cites Long-Term Benefits for Team and Player

During an episode of “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” sports analyst Kirk Herbstreit defended the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr., quarterback from Washington, in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Although many expected the team to address their defense with such a high pick, Herbstreit was not surprised by the selection as he had been impressed every time he watched Penix play for Washington throughout the past season. While Kirk Cousins has already signed a major deal and seemingly solved the Falcons’ quarterback problem, Herbsteit suggested that drafting Penix Jr. And allowing him to learn from Cousins for one or two seasons could prove fruitful in the long term as it did for Patrick Mahomes when he started his career on Alex Smith’s bench with the Chiefs. Ultimately, while we may not see just how good Penix can be right away, Herbstreit believes that this pick will benefit both player and team down the road.