With the 2024 NFL Draft underway, it’s time to hand out some instant grades, as we’ll do all night for every pick of the first round on Thursday night — you can find our grades here.
But if you’re wondering specifically about your team’s pick and how our Christian D’Andrea and Robert Zeglinski graded them? You’ve come to the right place.
Here’s their take on Michael Penix Jr.:
…what?
[Editor’s note: We’re gonna need more than that.]
Whatever. Fine. Let me stop cackling and explain.
Kirk Cousins is under contract through 2027, even if he may not play that long (he’s 36). Penix turns 25 years old in less than two weeks. He’s not a rising young quarterback who can wait a few years; he’d be 27 by the time Atlanta can get out of Cousins’ contract with minimal cap damage.
Is this all an elaborate prank on Cousins to prove he’s the Pizza Ranch version of Aaron Rodgers? Penix was supposed to be a second round talent. He’s an electric playmaker who only became elite with a Washington team loaded with NFL talent. The Falcons needed a pass rusher and other defensive pieces. Instead they used a top 10 pick on a backup quarterback for at least the next two seasons.
So, yeah. …what?
Grade: D
For all of our NFL Draft grades on Day 1, click here.
