“This Is Ridiculous”: Coach Prime Stands Up for Michael Penix Jr., Berates Media for Unfair Assessment Ahead of NFL Draft 2024

Deion Sanders is disappointed in the 2024 NFL draft predictions. The draft class boasts several elite QBs like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and JJ McCarthy. However, the NFL draft has not done justice for one particular QB: Michael Penix Jr.

An experienced QB with obvious arm talent, and some fine understanding of passing concepts and blocking schemes, Penix has countered a variety of defenses in his career and took his team to the National Championship. Maneuvering through the play after decoding its challenges and pressures, Penix Jr. has demonstrated his laudable football IQ.

“When the quarterback runs the room, we got a good shot,” Indiana head coach Nick Sheridan said of Penix Jr. Yet, the NFL draft walls don’t reverberate Penix Jr.’s name as much as the other elite QBs, something that infuriates Deion Sanders. Reminding everyone about his accolades, Sanders tweeted, “I can’t stand the way the mainstream media and draft experts have look over, look by & looked pass MICHAEL PENIX JR. This is ridiculous.” 

Penix’s LSU teammate Rome Odunze called him “that guy.” With a staggering 4503 passing yards, coupled with 36 touchdowns, along with 11 interceptions and sacks, all in his final year, any fan would call Penix Jr. “that guy.” Not to mention, he led a win against some of the most impenetrable defenses in the league like Oregon Ducks and Texas Longhorns. With the NFL draft fever swooshing over the NFL, Penix Jr. is emerging as the ultimate underdog of the 2024 NFL draft, and Sanders is not the only one advocating for it.

The Michael Penix Jr. fever is on the rise

Robert Green III is another person who is relentlessly banging the table for Michael Penix Jr., following the suit of Deion Sanders. He even went to the lengths of comparing him to his favorite Dragon Ball Z character. “Michael Penix Jr. is the best PURE PASSER in this NFL Draft Class and just like Piccolo, he has a special beam cannon,” Griffin III tweeted.

The QB is expected to be drafted in the first round, latest by pick 16 with interest being shown by the Raiders, the Giants, and the Broncos. His unique throwing motion paints the splitting image of Philip Rivers in fans’ eyes when he’s throwing the ball while flaunting his arm skills. His tight spiral throws are point-precise. However, some points are making the teams have second thoughts.

Yet, once Penix Jr. gets into NFL-level training, he might even flip these flaws into his biggest strengths. All he needs right now is a team ready to all their faith in him and recognize his talent. Where do you think would Penix Jr. land? Drop your thoughts in the comments.