With the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons both needing a long-term answer at quarterback, one NFL insider explains why teams like them at the back end of the top 15 in the NFL Draft might ens up seriously considering Washington star Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons (7-10) and Broncos (8-9) finished with similar records this past season, and while both organizations have various holes to fill on their rosters, each of them could decide to use one of their draft picks in April on one of the top QBs in this year’s class.
Despite their best efforts, trading for Russell Wilson did not work out for Denver and Desmond Ridder never developed into the long-term fix Atlanta hoped for. While there are three signal callers with huge potential in this year’s draft class, they will likely be off the board when the Falcons (8th) and Broncos (12th) are on the clock. However, one player could soon fly up draft board and get a hard look by both franchises.
Related: Denver Broncos draft picks 2024
Michael Penix Jr. getting comparisons to Matthew Stafford
During the 2023 college football season, Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. put himself on the map with an outstanding performance that had him among the finalists for the Heisman Trophy and helped the Huskies reach the national championship game. While there are differing opinions on where he could land in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently explained some unique qualities that could increase his value in the scouting process.
“I can’t say enough good things about Penix. One of the impressions he left [on draft evaluators] was his composure. And I think we saw that when he played a lot. But what really stood out was his hand size. He had the largest non-lineman hands of any player at the Senior Bowl. This is significant for a lot of reasons but evaluators like big hands. Especially in bad weather.
“It’s not a prerequisite for success in the NFL but it does a lot for your ability to handle the elements. Then you consider he had a 6-foot-9 wingspan. … His arm talent was on display throughout the week [at the Senior Bowl]. … Penix is not normal with how good he is throwing the ball down the field. He can throw corners, flats, and posts at a really high, efficient level. And it’s an easy throw for him.”
One other interesting nugget that Schultz revealed was that Michael Penix Jr. is getting comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star QB Matthew Stafford. The reason for the comparison is because of the prospect’s ability to throw at different arm slots and angles, which is very similar to the one-time Super Bowl winner.
That comparison came from gifted QB coach John Beck. A man who has previously worked with Justin Fields and CJ Stroud.
Schultz believes there is a real chance the QB could go in the top 10 in April. So it will be interesting to see how high Michael Penix Jr. gets on draft boards as we get closer to the event and if rumblings about the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons — or other teams at the part of the draft — taking him with their top pick begin.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Who will the Atlanta Falcons land in April?