The Atlanta Falcons have officially selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This move is in the leaderboard for the biggest surprise of the entire draft so far as the team was not expected to take a QB in this spot.
Penix’s college career spanned six years, where he experienced plenty of highs and injury related lows at both Indiana and Washington. Arriving to UW in 2022, he went nuclear by posting back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons with the likes of Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan at his disposal. His 2023 campaign was particular special as he threw for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns, winning the Maxwell Award and leading the Huskies to the national championship game.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. fantasy football outlook
What makes this move shocking is the fact that it comes on the heels of the Falcons signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million guaranteed contract this offseason. The veteran QB is coming off an Achilles tear, so this may be insurance just in case he hasn’t recovered in time for Week 1.
If there is a succession plan in place, Penix will be 28 by the time Cousins finishes out his contract this offseason.
Where should Penix rank among QB’s in fantasy football?
As mentioned before, Penix could be insurance against Cousins not being ready in time for Week 1. We should have a better idea by the time training camp rolls around, but for now, I’d avoid taking him redraft league drafts.
In keeper or dynasty league drafts, I’d take him in a later round and stash him.