By Matt Stuart | Published | No Comments
The Atlanta Falcons had the surprise pick of the night, selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eight overall pick. To say it was a stunning move would be an understatement.
The Atlanta Falcons were major players in free agency signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 million dollar deal, $100 million of that fully guaranteed. To say that quarterback was not a major need on draft night would again be an understatement.
Yet the Falcons selection of Penix Jr. may indicate something else. It could indicate that the Falcons may not be 100% sure that Cousins is the guy. Cousins hasn’t played since rupturing his achilles in week 8 against Green Bay.
Cousins is 35 years old and players coming off serious season ending injuries at that age are always an unknown. It’s possible that the Falcons decision to draft Penix Jr. could be seen as adding a little insurance just in case Cousins is not able to return to form.
It’s possible that the Falcons may be looking at the obvious. Cousins may or may not be the same player that he was in Minnesota and if that is the case the Falcons may consider Penix Jr. the perfect player to jump into the starting quarterback role should the need arise.
Penix Jr. also gives the Falcons a more versatile weapon at the quarterback position
