To say the Atlanta Falcons shocked the football world on draft night would be putting it mildly. After signing former Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract that contains $90 million in fully guaranteed money this offseason, the team took another shot at the position.
When the eighth overall pick rolled around for the Falcons, they took Washington QB Michael Penix Jr..This moment left fans and analysts in complete shock during the first night of the draft. That shock included Cousins and his camp.
“The Falcons called Kirk Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know. From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned.”
Dianna Russini reported during the NFL Draft
Head coach Raheem Morris attributed the Green Bay Packers to his philosophy on drafting another QB. However, those two situations could not be more different. Jordan Love was 21 years old sitting behind Aaron Rodgers as he was ending his contract.
As for Penix, he will be turning 24 years old in early May. While there is no denying his talent, it just doesn’t seem like the rational time for the Falcons to spend a top-10 pick at the position.
“I just reached out to his agent, Mike McCartney, he was not given a heads up. Kirk Cousins was not given really a heads up on this whole thing.”
NFL Reporter Daniel Jeremiah said after the selection
As we look back at this NFL Draft, this will undeniably be one of the most intriguing picks to reflect on. The Falcons will look to improve their roster on days two and three of the draft.
