The Falcons are receiving more unfavourable coverage than ever before for selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, only weeks after giving Kirk Cousins a $180 million contract. The Falcons brass made the decision knowing that would be the case, but it didn’t make them any less confident in Penix, a prospect they consider to be a can’t miss.We’ll find out in a few years if they are correct. Jordan Schultz, an NFL insider, recently shared an amazing tale about how they knew they had to choose Michael Penix if he dropped to them in the draft. There is no denying Penix’s arm prowess. I wholeheartedly concur with Schultz; it was the finest in the class, and I don’t even believe it was close. Because of his amazing passing velocity, he can fit the ball into small windows and throw it downfield with accuracy. It’s a beautiful thing when it works, reminding the league of some of its best passers ever. But every time I hear this story, Zach Wilson comes to mind. QBs shouldn’t be judged on their ability to throw passes in the air while not wearing pads. GMs wind up applying for jobs in this manner. Although it is a step in the process, it is arguably the least significant one. At the top level, 90% of a quarterback’s success comes from what’s above the neck. That’s the reason it’s without a doubt the hardest position to project. It is hard to predict a quarterback’s thoughts prior to, during, and following a play, let alone how they will handle the challenges that inevitably await them at the next level. Arm strength is just one piece of the puzzle, but these kinds of tales are entertaining to tell even before Penix has played a snap in the NFL. This will be remembered as possibly the worst draft choice in Falcons history, and it will set them back for years if he can’t figure out the rest.
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