We’re just a day away from kicking off the 2024 NFL Draft. But until Roger Goodell walks out to the podium and starts announcing picks, there are still several questions waiting to be answered.
How many quarterbacks will be drafted in the first round? Who will be the first defender drafted on Thursday? Will any prospects be forced to suffer through a draft-day fall?
There are many factors that still need to play out, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini recently had a chance to speak with a current NFL GM who revealed the “best-kept secret” in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“It’s been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye and McCarthy, but don’t be surprised if Penix enters the discussion come Thursday. Recently, Penix has benefited as many offensive assistant coaches have spent time studying University of Washington players, including the Huskies’ starting offensive tackles and top three wide receivers. Though analysts and reporters have not mentioned his name at high volume over the last month, one GM told me, “He’s the best-kept secret in this draft.”
Anonymous NFL GM calling Michael Penix Jr. the “best-kept secret” in NFL Draft
While there have been several rumors linking J.J. McCarthy to landing in the top five, we haven’t heard the same reports for Michael Penix Jr. The former Washington QB has been slapped with a projected draft slot ranging anywhere from the middle of the first round to becoming a second-round draft pick.
Yet, being that there are so many teams in need of a quarterback, it’s possible Penix is privately being held in a higher regard than the public currently views him. If so, it wouldn’t be the first time a prospect was drafted much higher than the media projected.
Related: Final 2024 NFL mock draft: Full 3-round 2024 NFL Draft projections with trades