The Atlanta Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr. with their first pick was a dual shock for analysts and fans alike. The Falcons recently signed former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to a 9-figure deal, and he’s expected to be their starter this fall. The Washington QB was projected as a potential second-round pick or a late first-round pick. So this pick was not expected at all by anyone.

A lot of people expected the Falcons to pick a player who might be able to complement Cousins who is coming off of a torn Achilles injury. So Thursday night saw so many fans’ shocked reactions when Roger Goodell called out Michael Penix Jr.’s name as one of the top ten picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The Falcons shocked the NFL world with their No. 8 pick

The Atlanta Falcons’ choice of pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has perhaps been the most shocking till now. When the Falcons signed QB Kirk Falcons in free agency to a $180M 4-year contract in the offseason, everyone thought the team wouldn’t require a QB, especially with their first pick. But the shocker is that they still chose to forego their No. 8 overall pick by drafting Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.

Given that 4x Pro Bowler Cousins is already on the team, we wonder how the Falcons will go around their first overall pick. According to reports, Cousins wasn’t even given a heads-up about this unexpected pick. But considering that Cousins is already 35, there is no saying how many years he’ll be productive. So perhaps, the Falcons are already trying to prepare this college football talent who will be the eventual replacement for Cousins. 

Michael Penix Jr.’s potential role in Atlanta

With Cousins already in the picture, the expectation for Michael Penix Jr. is that he’ll be learning from the veteran before he can take the reins as the starting QB. Before the draft, Michael Penix Jr. was battling with fighting for his credibility due to his injury-prone games. But Penix Jr. is still an explosive QB who led the Washington Huskies to a CFP appearance while contending for the Heisman Trophy last season.

After transferring to Washington, he set the Pac-12 record for most pass yards at 9,544 in two seasons. As Pete Prisco said, “They opted to take their quarterback of the future by taking Penix. He has all the tools, but will learn and wait behind Kirk Cousins. I wonder if he can rush the passer. Like the player, but don’t like the pick.”

What do you think about this shocking pick? Let us know in the comments.