The shockwaves that the Atlanta Falcons selection of Michael Penix, Jr. sent through the NFL on draft night this year was the last thing on anyone's mind as the Falcons sent in the card. If you don't believe me, check out Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles' reaction. Nonetheless, Atlanta now has their quarterback of the present in Kirk Cousins and possibly of the future in Penix. While Penix was one of the more draft-ready quarterbacks coming out, Atlanta felt that giving him a few years to sit and learn behind Cousins would benefit his growth. As Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick reports, it's still early, but it seems the feeling out of OTAs is so far, so good.
The 24-year-old Penix has been as one would expect: His arm strength stands out, his accuracy has been a bit of a rollercoaster and his leadership and willingness to learn have been praised by coaches...
...the story of Atlanta's rookie class is Penix's development - and thus far, Morris is pleased.
"I like what he's grown into," Morris said about Penix. "That's really special when you're talking about a rookie growing and developing and knowing what he should do, what he could do, even after the fact, with his self-corrections."
Another reason so many were baffled by the draft pick on draft night was the age of Penix and questioning drafting an older prospect to sit and learn. Most thought if you were going to develop a quarterback, find one with more upside like J.J. McCarthy or wait and grab Spencer Rattler, who is now a New Orleans Saint.
However, there were things that Penix had to work on coming into the league. His footwork and accuracy weren't always consistent, and he lacked the confidence to utilize his athleticism outside of the pocket after his ankle injuries. These aspects of his game are potentially fixable over his year(s) of sitting behind Cousins.
Learning the professional game from the sidelines isn't ideal for everyone, but the front office in Flowery Branch saw it beneficial for Penix to reach his ceiling as a franchise quarterback. If the Falcons are correct, general manager Terry Fontenot and this Atlanta team may have added a new wrinkle to the world of team-building.