Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Michael Penix Jr.
- Washington
- Transfer from Indiana
- Height-6030
- Weight-213 lbs
- Sixth-year senior
- 3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 1040-of-1634 (63.6%), 13,486 yards, 95 touchdowns, 32 interceptions, 131 carries, 270 yards, 13 touchdowns
- Games watched: Boise State 2023, Oregon 2023, USC 2023, Arizona State 2023, Oregon 2023 (Pac 12 Title game)
Strengths
First thing that stands out about Penix is his deep ball. Throws a guided missile down the field with excellent placement and accuracy.
Penix understands coverage. He sees the field well and knows how to exploit coverages and attack soft spots in the zone.
Has excellent poise in the pocket. Doesn’t get rattled by pressure or outside noise. Stays focused and composed, working through progressions across the entire field.
In the pocket is where Penix thrives the most. He can run when needed and throws well on the move while creating outside of structure, but he would much rather stay inside the pocket and beat you there. Penix possesses a good pump fake with both vigor and quickness.
Footwork is mostly crisp out of the shotgun. He doesn’t have a hitch in his step and keeps them active to reset quickly. It helps him be accurate with the football. Placement is a massive plus when he has clean footwork.
Weaknesses
Mechanics are weird for Penix. He tends to use a sidearm delivery and keeps his feet flat. To be fair, it works but it’s far from ideal. It also raises questions about his health because his mobility can be a hindrance.
The footwork can get a little bit choppy and he will use all arm causing the ball to sail. That has improved year over year but it still happens on occasion.
In his career, Penix has two season-ending ACL injuries and one to his non-throwing shoulder. Medicals will determine a lot about what kind of draft grade he will have.
Overview
| Arm Strength | 8.6/10 |
| Accuracy | 8.5/10 |
| Mechanics | 7.5/10 |
| Ball Placement | 9.1/10 |
| Throwing Motion | 8.0/10 |
| Progressions | 8.2/10 |
| Decision Making | 8.3/10 |
| Functional Mobility | 8.1/10 |
| Durability | 6.7/10 |
| Poise | 8.3/10 |
| Grade | 81.3/100 Second Round |
Penix is a weird evaluation due to his mechanics and injury history. The mechanics remind me of Basketball Hall of Famer Reggie Miller: it’s wonky and shouldn’t work, but it just does.
The injury history and what his current medicals look like are going to be a big factor and something we likely don’t get the full picture on. I can only go by what information I have and that’s two torn ACL’s and a non-throwing season-ending shoulder injury.
If he has a relatively clean bill of health without long-standing issues with his knees or shoulder, there is a real opportunity for Penix to be a great quarterback in the NFL for a long time, especially in a Shanahan/McVay type system.
