Falcons Drafting Michael Penix Jr. is the Biggest Surprise of First Round | 2024 NFL Draft

[@O4C209]

Love Stroud. He's bummed that Penix ain't playing right away.

[@deezupzeohdown957]

Thats my biggest issue with it. That was the most NFL ready qb in the draft n they gonna sit him! Bs

[@bumiangkara5669]

mahomes is raw as fck. no is different. @Malackhee

[@deezupzeohdown957]

@Malackhee no because he is already 24 years old they are just wasting his talent. Jordan love SAT and started at 24 years old. Kinda fucked up imo

[@SoSickRick]

as a Falcon fan the front office is retarded@@deezupzeohdown957

[@devinwillis768]

@@deezupzeohdown957That age trope is kinda pointless when the previous era of QBs all played until they were a minimum of 35 yrs old and one of them played until they were 45 TB, also a few in that era are still playing IE Kirk and A-Rod.

[@Forevermade32]

Penix deserved to play right away he’s elite!!😊

[@yamamamama6219]

Kirk just need to stfu and be happy he got paid again 🤣

[@parisbeech2180]

Wrong 😂

[@Chitownsfinesthoops]

Exactly 💯 😂 he hit lotto after an Achilles tear 😢

[@AdamB34]

What did he say that triggered you to tell him to stfu exactly?

[@GeordellTheIncred]

@@AdamB34He’s literally mad that they drafted a QB! lol No matter who you are you have to fight for your spot bruh!

[@AdamB34]

@@GeordellTheIncred that's a fun made up story but pro bowl qbs with a $180 million contract don't fight for their spot. They are the guy. They'd have to be one of the worst qbs in the league before they lose their job.

[@702TifosiGambler]

Falcons fans bummed they have 2 really good QBs meanwhile us Raiders fans bummed we have 3 backup QBs

[@Markese-cd6sc]

When we was just crying about qb play I really don’t get it

[@AdamB34]

I love how Penix is automatically "really good" 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrTerrell966]

@@AdamB34 Hes better than Desmond Ridder..Im pretty confident in saying that..

[@40packnugs27]

Literally I'm a falcons fan but some of the fans are so ungrateful lol like they don't remember us not having a good qb situation from like 2018-2023. It's a smart move and the only argument I hear is about the money. The cap is going up every year. 50m a year for 2 years to have a more than likely successful transition is worth it.

[@AdamB34]

@@MrTerrell966 are you suggesting being better than a bad qb makes him "really good"??? Because the o.p said Penix is already "really good"

[@justineebourgeois3420]

Falcons drafted Penix Jr. so no one else can get him 🤷‍♀️

[@tray2885]

Why self sabotage tho you got Kirk cousins and eighth pick a fasho though they was gonna get Dallas Turner,Rome Odunze or corner Penix jr doesn’t make sense because ATL in win now mode

[@natureredux1957]

@@tray2885 This was anything but self sabotage. It was a pure Genius move by the Falcons.

[@yurp7643]

@@tray2885Kirk not that good bro . Perennial loser , 15 seasons ,1 playoff win

[@marcuswilliams5255]

@@natureredux1957lol pure genius? No way you said that

[@marcuswilliams5255]

@@yurp7643lol Kirk is an above average QB, you’re high .

[@jdk370]

Arthur played a superflex league last year and said f*** it.

[@machenga]

He still can’t play Penix cuz he has Cousins lol😂

[@IC33E]

Arthur Smith got fired last year. Its Raheem Morris (former DC of the Rams) who is ATL HC now

[@Cport912]

Only thing is that Green Bay won 13 games the year B4 they drafted Love. They were loaded as a team. The Falcons have no pass rushers and only 2 DBS smh

[@TheMattTrakker]

They also drafted love at the back end of round 1, not 8th.

[@William_Stephens]

The question is how good do you believe Penix is. If Caleb Williams fell to 8 and drafted him would the move get the same criticism? Yea he’s older but if the falcons rate him as a top tier franchise qb and ur qb is 35 coming off an achilles how can you not take him ? I think Penix was the 2nd best qb at worst and the most impressive passer.

[@AgentAugust]

Here's what people are forgetting and it's all Cousins fault. They told him we may take a quarterback. Now they could have waited later in draft or next year... but hold on.. because of Cousin idiotic press conference about meeting falcons staff before legally allowed. Atlanta may not have much draft capital next year. When it came down the NFL would not punish them this year, they did the smart thing and drafted a QB. So what if he doesn't play until 27 as long as a good QB. And that worse case. Kirk has never been and iron man, he's constantly hurt. And dinged up Great pickup. Screw the haters. And Kirk if you're mad at anyone be mad at yourself, learn what NOT to say in press conferences.

[@Jacob185]

Kirk has never missed a game due to injury until last year with the Achilles. Penix has a significantly larger history of injury with two ACL tears and two shoulder issues. Even with the injury history, I like Penix a lot. But if he’s the guy, then feel like the front office should have just taken him and let him start instead of signing Kirk. I don’t think ppl are mad at the pick in a vacuum. I think people are scratching their head at what is seemingly really poor asset management.

[@deezupzeohdown957]

So what if he doest play till 27? Are you kidding me, that man wants to play and contend. Such a fuckin waste of talent!

[@C0teeenn]

Wrong

[@J.Madden]

You wouldn't be caping this hard for Nix or JJ, just say the quiet part out loud.

[@ericsele5500]

@@J.MaddenNix was a bad pick too😂

[@xman9190]

I'm not feeling the "poor Kirk" narrative at all. What, he thought it was all about him and not what's best for the franchise?

[@ericroberts1661]

Falcons drafting Penix should not be a surprise to Cousins, or anyone else! They have been talking about how much they like him for WEEKS! Kirk Cousins is the clear started for ATL... but he is old and the team is thinking long term. Plus, Penix needs time to get his body back to 100%, and a mentor with a similar playing style. This was ALL accomplished by drafting Penix this year so that ATL's QB of the future doesn't have to be rushed on the field before he is ready. If you were surprised by this pick, then you haven't been paying attention!!!

[@jdalegria26]

The reason why its a shocker and why many are harsh and critical of this move is: 1. Kirk Cousin was just signed to a four-year, $180m contract with $100m guaranteed. That's a lot of fucking money for someone who who just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 2. With more talented players on the board that fit a more immediate needs like DE, WR and CB they chose a QB. The best DE player was still available, the best WR was still available. 3. Ponix has injury concerns, yes he has been healthy in the last 2 yrs but he is coming from 2 TORN ACLs in the same right knee. 4. Penix will be 24 yrs old very soon and if he is going to SIT behind Kirk he will be 26-27 before he gets to start because the falcons cant get rid of Kirk now with so much money tied to him. 5. Ponix is the more ready now QB in this draft as he played 6 seasons in a PRO STYLE offense. DID I SAY HE PLAY 6 seasons? You drafted him to sit down

[@ericroberts1661]

@@jdalegria26 Thank you professor... but the Falcons had Penix as the #2 QB in the draft and didn't have ANY defensive players higher than him. They drafted off of their board... NOT YOURS. Coach QB's may see it differently... but thats probably why they are COACH qbs

[@xman9190]

​@jdalegria26 The first DE went 15th and the first CB about 30th, I believe. The Falcons got their QB with the 8th pick. Those other guys weren't worth it as determined by at least 14 teams.

[@Mao-s6q]

Zero sympathy for Kirk, when your a mercenary and has made $$ your biggest goal. Double edged sword that the teams won’t have any connection or loyalty to you, he already got his $$ for his feelings.

[@DiabloBiscuit]

Kirk is 35 soon to be 36, why in the hell would he be surprised? Plus you are coming off an injury. Kirk shouldn't be surprised one bit.

[@AdamB34]

Why is he surprised that after signing a 4 year mega deal the team drafted a qb with the #8 pick? Well maybe because he planned on being the franchise qb for the next 4 years because that's what they signed him to be. There's a reason why EVERYONE was shocked by this move and NOBODY saw it coming lol

[@bigfree7297]

Thank You!! Out of all injuries it’s a torn Achilles. People wild saying it’s a bad draft pick lol. Falcons are for sure thinking about their future

[@AdamB34]

@@bigfree7297 you're aware that basically every analyst says it's a bad pick right? You don't sign a qb for $180 million if you think he won't play and you'll need to start the back up qb 😂😂😂. And you don't draft a qb #8 if you think your $180 million qb will play and play well. So which dumb thing would you like us to say is dumb? The part where they went all in on a veteran qb they don't even think will play or going all in on a draft pick they hope never actually has to play??? 😂😂😂

[@bobbysbreakdowns]

Cause they payed him all that money its not rocket science. If they was gonna draft a qb what was the point of signing kirk???

[@AdamB34]

@@bobbysbreakdowns they could be doing what GB did with Rodgers and then again with Love but the difference with those guys is that they were picked in the 20s and were still only like 21-22 when they got drafted and had no injury issues. Penix was picked 8th and if he sits 3 years like Love and Rodgers he'll be nearly 28 his first year starting. So it's a night and day difference

[@junior90628]

Love the NFL blitz in the back ground

[@jah9253]

Or NFL primetime

[@trobace]

It was no surprise to me. I predicted it. After choosing kirk cousins I knew they would need a good rookie behind Cousins

[@marcusmcgraw3519]

Lmao “crap cousins”. He’s a 4 time pro bowler and one of the best deep ball passers in the league. He’s much better than what you were trotting out under center the last 5 years, whether you want to admit it or not

[@magnumbrahms5339]

You call yourself a Christian and be hating on a good brother like that? Really "crap Cousins"? Dude you need Jesus.

[@SaintDamain]

What Marcus said plus this, Penix is gonna be 24 in two weeks. He’s peaking now. Man’s gonna be thirty by the time they move on from Kirk. This is a dumbshit pick.

[@jah9253]

You mean the same crap Cousins who they signed to a $180M contract?

[@AdamB34]

Show your proof you predicted it and then show how a top 10 qb is "crap" 😂😂😂. Oh wait, you'll say "he only has one playoff win" right? Well, 2 time mvp Lamar Jackson has 2 playoff wins and a losing playoff record. Guess he's crap too

[@MrTooSuave]

Great pick !!! Welcome to Atlanta penix !!! We will watch the people that said bad pick , eating there words in a few years !

[@jdalegria26]

The reason why its a shocker and why many are harsh and critical of this move is: 1. Kirk Cousin was just signed to a four-year, $180m contract with $100m guaranteed. That's a lot of fucking money for someone who who just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 2. With more talented players on the board that fit a more immediate needs like DE, WR and CB they chose a QB. The best DE player was still available, the best WR was still available. 3. Ponix has injury concerns, yes he has been healthy in the last 2 yrs but he is coming from 2 TORN ACLs in the same right knee. 4. Penix will be 24 yrs old very soon and if he is going to SIT behind Kirk he will be 26 before he gets to start because the falcons cant get rid of Kirk now with so much money tied to him. 5. Ponix is the more ready now QB in this draft as he played 6 seasons in a PRO STYLE offense. DID I SAY HE PLAY 6 seasons? You drafted him to sit down

[@AdamB34]

@@jdalegria26 5. He didn't play 6 seasons. He was injured for the majority of 4 of those seasons and one season was the covid shortened year. Also, he didn't play all 6 years in one offense. He was in Indiana the first 4 years and Washington the last 2.

[@GarrettCline-hv5vz]

In a few years penix will be retiring lmao. They saying it’s a bad pick because he was a late first round or 2nd round pick that’s why. Plus they just paid for Kirk. Terrible pick when Rome Odunze was still on the board. But if penix doesn’t do something in the league right away, he probably won’t he’s already the oldest wv in the class and prone to injury

[@jordancody8186]

In a few years? Didnt yall sign cousins to win now? Wtf 😂😂

[@JBeck9932]

I hope you're right, all season I wanted Penix but that was before Kirk and the injuries are also alarming but hopefully when he gets his shot he balls out

[@Guitar_Smasher]

It's unfortunate that his devastating injury has probably ended his career! Props to Javonte for grinding to try and come back! I knew nothing about Estime until your analysis. Sounds like he slowly drags 5-6 defenders down the field, like Beast Mode!

[@therowgawd]

All draft coverage: we’ll see

[@lamarsmith5971]

Penix has had more serious injuries than Cousins.

[@natedavison7069]

And played the last 2 seasons fine

[@billyjames8964]

Ain’t been hurt years vs a old qb that hurt now sound dumb

[@antcantcook960]

@@billyjames8964Penix had more serious injuries in half the football lifetime😂 dumb response

[@billyjames8964]

@@antcantcook960 so did Adrian Peterson he a future hall of famer stop listening to ESPN

[@AdamB34]

​Adrian Peterson had one major injury in college. Penix has had 4 season ending injuries in college 😂😂😂 including tearing the same acl TWICE. You are clueless

[@zaribhassan1085]

There now way you can justify this pick Penix is good player but he’s 24 with a major injury history and they just paid Kirk 180 million dollars with 100 million guaranteed for the next 3 years. At that point Penix will 27 years old almost 30. Makes no sense

[@mattt8889]

loving that they passed on Dallas Turner who fell to the Vikes. Day 1 starter.

[@mrqh406]

Sometimes in Life you throw "THIS" on the wall & hope it stick. For some gut feeling ; they are going to pull this off ... Lol

[@Markese-cd6sc]

Next 2 years**

[@AdamB34]

@@Markese-cd6sc you don't get to assume they will drop Cousins after 2 years. He could easily play out his entire 4 year deal

[@HoodHeatTV]

Penix should’ve went to the Vikings

[@liefyaple8927]

I hate my franchise…

[@EduArdo-oc8iw]

Not even a Falcons Fan, but damn i feel sorry for you and Cousins too… get him help and start a run, but no, everyone needs a Backup i guess 😅

[@innotech]

watch the Secret Base documentary on your team and youll appreciate them more.

[@yurp7643]

Y’all gonna be okay bro ! This the first step in the right direction. 15 yrs one playoff win ; always remember that !

[@imreallyagoat]

I feel for yall bro

[@jasonpompey6731]

Why can penix learn from a good qb for 2 yrs and then start? I don’t see what’s the big deal. Cousins is getting paid so he prob won’t feel slighted

[@lamarsmith5971]

Dont tell the Atlanta fan base we are in a win now mode by signing Cousins, only draft a QB for a backup. We couldve kept Ridder for that, and picked the best defensive player because thats what we really needed the most. Win now mode ? Penix doesnt help in 2024.

[@redmoney4155]

I'm sorry but keeping Ridder for anything is definitely not win now mode.

[@natureredux1957]

A win now Mode is actually having a QB that can actually back up Cousins now and in the Future. Cousins will be 36 this Fall. Genius move by the Falcons. They were never going to BEAT the San Francisco 49ers over the next few years. Nor were they going to beat a healthy Eagles team. Cousins was never going to be the Savior for the Falcons no matter who that drafted to help him. NEVER.

[@charlescoryell4239]

@@natureredux1957exactly. they needed a new qb for true contention and they knew that.

[@VisionzTrue]

@@natureredux1957 how is a backup that wont play til 2026 win now? if cousins isnt going to savior the falcons which i agree with then why sign him. the whole offseason so far makes 0 sense. if penix was the pick without cousins being here no one would complain. the move just doesnt make sense at all its a contradiction

[@natureredux1957]

@@VisionzTrue Just look at the Top Teams last year who had there starting QB go down. Those teams would have BLANKED to have a Penix as their Backup QB. Instead, they all had utter TRASH as backups. This is a Genius move. Period.

[@williewakawhistle9058]

The Falcons are thinking about the future. Aaron Rodgers- Jordan Love Brett Favre- Aaron Rodgers

[@georgeanthonycarter4007]

Why is such a surprise ? So what they signed Kurt Cousins, it’s insurance they don’t have to scramble for a good QB for future. Also, he can learn a lot from cousins and spend time adjusting to game.

[@jdalegria26]

The reason why its a shocker and why many are harsh and critical of this move is: 1. Kirk Cousin was just signed to a four-year, $180m contract with $100m guaranteed. That's a lot of fucking money for someone who who just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 2. With more talented players on the board that fit a more immediate needs like DE, WR and CB they chose a QB. The best DE player was still available, the best WR was still available. 3. Ponix has injury concerns, yes he has been healthy in the last 2 yrs but he is coming from 2 TORN ACLs in the same right knee. 4. Penix will be 24 yrs old very soon and if he is going to SIT behind Kirk he will be 26 before he gets to start because the falcons cant get rid of Kirk now with so much money tied to him. 5. Ponix is the more ready now QB in this draft as he played 6 seasons in a PRO STYLE offense. DID I SAY HE PLAY 6 seasons? You drafted him to sit down

[@franciscorevuelta491]

@@jdalegria26 plus losing picks next year because of tampering

[@AdamB34]

@@jdalegria26 he didn't play 6 seasons. He was hurt for 4 of those 6 seasons

[@AdamB34]

@@franciscorevuelta491 lol... the last tampering punishment was that the 2 teams swapped 3rd round picks. Calm down

[@MisterMooster]

C.J., Stroud has the best takes every time I've seen so far, Honestly, Penix Jr should have his agent demand a trade.

[@marquezchapman2395]

Listening to Micah talk about the falcons 😊

[@CD-kh2pw]

Cheap insurance for the most important position on the field

[@SP-uh3cl]

This is incredible for the falcons. Penix sitting 2 years behind Cousins is best case scenario. They have time to prepare for a lefty QB. They have a young core right now. He’ll get plenty of reps. Does it help them compete for Super Bowl asap? No. But let’s be real, they’re not competing regardless of what this pick was.

[@xuxon24]

Well I would say the bills letting their rivals, the chiefs get their spot to take a top rated WR meanwhile you are without WRs.

[@natureredux1957]

So if the Bills didn't trade the Pick, were they going to pick that WR. So did it really matter.

[@AdamB34]

I wouldn't say Worthy is a top rated wr. He was barely a top 10 wr prospect. PFF didn't have him top 10, espn had him 8th, Fox Sports didn't have him top 10, cbs had him 7th...

[@xuxon24]

@@AdamB34 I never really believed those ratings, a ton of top picks have been busts and a ton of on paper bad players have been great. You give mahomes a player that is fast and can catch a ball you got yourself a winner.

[@AdamB34]

@@xuxon24 lol... you can't say he's a "top rated" wr then say you don't believe in ratings 🤣🤣🤣

[@flyingspacerock8968]

You better have 3 good quarterbacks nowdays. S.F. had None against Philadelphia

[@Don_AlejandroDelLaVega]

yeah the smart teams know in a 20 game season your back better be just as good as your starter or your not winning. Baseball makes sure that there most important position the pitcher has backups warming up while the game is going on.

[@AdamB34]

Dumbest thing I've ever heard. Literally ZERO nfl teams have 3 good qbs

[@AdamB34]

@@Don_AlejandroDelLaVega huh? Almost no back up qb is as good as the starter lol. And in baseball those guys warning up aren't "back ups", they are relievers who will pitch in literally every single game unless the starter goes all 9 innings, which almost never happens. You seem terribly confused

[@Don_AlejandroDelLaVega]

@AdamB34 your comprehension level is at a 2..Read more dummy.

[@jimsheppard3166]

As a lifelong Falcons fan I am not excited about this move, but I'm going to try and hold off on being super judgmental. In 2020, Packers fans hated the Jordan Love selection. In that same draft, Eagles fans largely disliked the Jalen Hurts pick. Fast forward and both of those moves worked out pretty good. Of course neither of those guys went at #8 overall. 😑

[@quentinmathes2361]

We will see in 2 years

[@Itsabucsl1f3]

"We don't see the Bucs as a perennial playoff team" Micah - "right" Bucs won a playoff game last year and the Cowboys got bounced first round. Foh with that clown shit. NFC South still runs through the Bucs. They retained all their players and just stole Barton in the draft.

[@mattt8889]

Falcons wasting a pick and ticking off their new QB! 🤣

[@brittscott4673]

Ultimately it's about which QB gives the Falcons the best chance to win if Penix can read defenses and shows up Cousins in training camp they might start Penix . The Falcons are already financially committed to Cousins and Penix but if Penix shows that he gives them a better chance to win that would supercede the money they are committed to Cousins. The Falcons signed Cousins 3 weeks before the draft. I don't know exactly which day the Falcons decided that they wanted Penix leading up to the draft but they didn't know that they were going to be able to pick Penix because the Raiders wanted Penix too. The Patriots said the Raiders made offers to get their pick at #3 but the Raiders weren't willing to give up enough to trade up.

[@kingarcy36]

Man he was fully payed the max relax and ball and compete

[@pabloseykata6930]

I think the Falcons did the right thing drafting Penix. Absolutely right for two reasons. One, it gives the Atlanta Falcons some leverage over a Mercenary like Kirk Cousins. Atlanta has some options at QB now unlike with Cousins previous team the Vikings. Second, the Falcons figure they won't be Drafting as high as they did this year so they are making the cheaper option for a QB now instead of trading A LOT to get u into the top 5-8 pick in a future Draft. Drafting Penix now is the Smart Move by Atlanta. ( I believe the Falcons are on the hook with Cousins for TWO years not three.)

[@reesereese6510]

What is everybody crying for? Cousins is 36 coming off an Achilles injury. If Kirk is good for the next 2 years that would be a plus and he will be close to 39. If Kirk cant get the team over the top seeing he only won 1 playoff game in his career then it will be about time to turn the team opver to Pennix which will be 26 (STILL YOUNG for a qb in the NFL if he play until 40 like cousin). That will be 15 years with a winning QB. The alternative is Kirk play 3 more years and the Falcons draft in the 20s and never get a QB again or play the QB merrry go round. It was a brilliant move by the Falcons

[@J.Madden]

Say the quiet part out loud, Fontenot and Raheem Morris wanted to draft a black QB. How is nobody talking about this??

[@japbike736]

Both of those guys need to be fired. As for Morris, he needs to be fired again. Awful hire

[@mannyp36]

Not surprised

[@tyg1434]

It worked for Green Bay with Jordan Love . Let him sit for 2 to 3 and he will be ready

[@CRgfully]

Love was not a top 10 pick bro

[@Js-mm1jdjwc]

He’ll be 30 lol

[@The_Drake_London]

​@@Js-mm1jdjwche will be 26

[@thechannel2398]

Kirk Cousins can be released after the 2024 season and the Falcons save cap space. Overhyped signing. Very team friendly. I would have preferred J.J. McCarthy over Michael Penix. If the Falcons get Chris Braswell in the 2nd round or CB Cooper DeJean with Cedric Johnson in the 4th round, it can salvage a possible waste of a 1st round pick. There are still decent EDGE rushers available.

[@The_Drake_London]

@@thechannel2398 I hope they get Cooper or Kool aid in the second. Then take.Jonah Ellis in the third

[@ricklong3260]

Kurt cousins is going to pad his stats. "Check down Charlie " style. He win games in the most MEDIOCRE fashion..GOOD.RIDANCE from the MINNESOTA Vikings 😮 skol

[@marcusmerritt3730]

I’m done with the Falcons!!!!

[@wadewilson6135]

I think the Falcons were thinking they dont plan to be picking in the top 10 with Cousins over the next couple of years so when its time to replace him they want to have the guy on the team already.

[@mattt8889]

plus the tampering penalties they will face.

[@wadewilson6135]

Oh hell I didn't know anything about that 😮

[@AdamB34]

@@mattt8889 tampering penalties are nothing. The last tampering penalty was a 3rd round pick swap. Its not that serious

[@AdamB34]

@@wadewilson6135 there's nothing to know. Tampering penalties haven't been significant. More of a technicality than anything

[@raymondbradford4086]

Look at the comments... no unity... automatic QB controversy this season... and very few blame the ownership..

[@julioguzman3687]

Cousins isn’t there for the long haul. Penix sits for a a year or two and steps right in. Plus Cousins is injury prone.

[@Paula-mv8im]

How exactly is Kirk injury prone? His injury is the first time that he's missed games due to injury....in 12 years. Penix has an extensive injury history: he tore his ACL in 2018 and 2020 and also suffered separate shoulder joint injuries in 2019 and 2021, one of which was in his throwing shoulder.

[@lt.spears1889]

Plus the Falcons are gonna get hit with tampering charges by the NFL, the team can’t get out of its own way.

[@jdalegria26]

The reason why its a shocker and why many are harsh and critical of this move is: 1. Kirk Cousin was just signed to a four-year, $180m contract with $100m guaranteed. That's a lot of fucking money for someone who who just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 2. Kirk cant be cut for 3 yrs due to the HUGE dead money tied to his contract. 3. With more talented players on the board that fit a more immediate needs like DE, WR and CB they chose a QB. The best DE player was still available, the best WR was still available. 4. Ponix has injury concerns, yes he has been healthy in the last 2 yrs but he is coming from 2 TORN ACLs in the same right knee and as fast as he can be, he is not a mobile QB and you can tell he is protecting his Knee by not running around. However the NFL plays fast and hits hard so all it takes is a bad hit and he can be done for. 4. Penix is 24 as of 5/8/2024 and if he is going to SIT behind Kirk he will be 26-27 before he gets to start because the falcons cant get rid of Kirk now with so much money tied to him. 5. Ponix is the more ready now QB in this draft as he played 6 seasons in a PRO STYLE offense. DID I SAY HE PLAY 6 seasons? You drafted him to sit down for 2-3 yrs??? ITS SUCH A DISSAPOINTMENT TO BE A FALCONS FAN. SO MANY BAD DECISION FROM COACHING STAFF, TO PLAYER DRAFTING, TO PLAYER SELECTION, TO BAD HIRING OF COACHES.

[@SpoonHurler]

Maybe spotrac has it wrong but it states they can release Kirk post 6/1 and have no hit to thier dead cap in 2025 and break even in savings.

[@charlieredd81]

Terry just signed the end of his career with that pick.

[@mattyj444]

Penix saw one NFL type defense and got ruined by Michigan. Penix might be quality with some development but injuries and college shows Penix is a gamble.

[@kouguy8213]

Awful pick. Kirk is signed for the next 4 years. Keep in mind Kirk has played 6 years for each of his last 2 teams. He is durable. The rookie won’t start until his rookie contract is over in 4 years; at which point he will ask for a big payday. Terrible move by the Falcons.

[@LeftMindedThoughts]

Or Kirk is starting to get injury prone. Which would mean he would start sooner than later. The Falcons are covering their bases, not sure how that's a bad thing.

[@LeftMindedThoughts]

"He is durable" Didn't he just tear his Achilles last season? 😅

[@franciscorevuelta491]

@@LeftMindedThoughts if you think this, you dont give him all this money, this is a very dumb scenario. Cousins lost, Penix lost, Falcons lost

[@thechannel2398]

Kirk's deal is VERY team friendly. The last two seasons are not guaranteed at $45 million per season. That leaves $40 million guaranteed the first two seasons because $50 million of the guaranteed $90 million was a signing bonus. The Falcons can release him after the 2024 season and save money off the salary cap for season 2. Seasons 3 and 4 are not guaranteed. Essentially, Cousins signed a frontloaded two year deal with 2 additional options seasons at $45 million per season. If Green Bay drafted Jordan Love, what is wrong with drafting Michael Penix?

[@rozi2089]

​@@thechannel2398As a Washington Husky fan, I love Michael Penix Jr. I don't think it was a bad pick,... but picking him 8 overall to ride the bench for possibly 2 years isn't ideal, especially when that defense is atrocious... ATL could have drafted Penix and built that defense up with vets with the money they gave Cousins. Hopefully, all works well and Penix becomes a great NFL QB.

[@kassi420]

If Cousins plays out his contract Penix won’t play till hezms almost 30

[@Whatsthe_dill]

Penix will be the best qb of this draft im telling yall, washington huski fan btw

[@joshscharf4230]

This sucks for penix he wont play at least for 2 years and will be 26 or 27

[@LewLewVuitton]

Drafting a QB that won’t start until he’s 27 is insane

[@Don_AlejandroDelLaVega]

Kirk almost 40 and still hasn't won anything.make it make sense

[@LewLewVuitton]

@@Don_AlejandroDelLaVega It doesn't make sense. Falcons should've never gave him that contract. But drafting an injury prone QB at 9 that wont start until he's 27 makes even less sense.

[@stuntt8706]

that's cuz abs playing til their 40...27 to 40 is 13 seasons....thats more den enough time to win a sb

[@cbreeze864]

He’ll be 26…. Kirk Cousins will be cut by the June 1, 2026 deadline. Penix takes over year 3.

[@AdamB34]

@@stuntt8706 🤣🤣🤣. Very few qbs play until 40. Most are washed by 35-36. Penix already has two major shoulder injuries and blew his acl twice. It's highly unlikely he plays until 40

[@robertaustin6824]

It's no guarantee Kirk the man,we got a young Qb

[@jhen0]

Penix will be 24 in a week. Kirk’s contract has an out after 2 seasons. So he’d be 26 and 2 cheap years + 5th year option

[@marqueparrish6160]

Michael Parsons and CJ Stroud, having fun joking with one of the NFL picks for the Minnesota Vikings. And he kept it real saying he had to take the AP back tomorrow😂😅😇💯

[@FOWLKON1339]

What was Atlanta doing? They needed defense.

[@redmoney4155]

We needed a franchise QB.Kurt is just a stop gap

[@natureredux1957]

The vast majority of TEAMS needed Defense but yet all the TEAMS were drafting offense. So what does that tell you.

[@FOWLKON1339]

@@redmoney4155 You signed Kirk Cousins for an all-in push, so y'all needed was some defense. If y'all were going to draft a quarterback, it should have been a 21-year-old with some upside, not a 24-year-old who's ready to play now even though he has had a lot of injuries

[@FOWLKON1339]

@@natureredux1957 The problem is that it was the Falcons who picked a quarterback. Another offensive weapon, I could have understood that, especially if it was a receiver or tight end. Why take a quarterback if you're going to pay $100 million dollars guaranteed to Kirk Cousins foreign all-in push If you're going to take Penix for the future? Cousins filled the need at QB, And don't give me that 🐴💩 excuse that they're trying to be like the Packers, because that is a lame ass cop out. I'm not a Falcons fan, but I know that a lot of them are thinking that this was a wasted pick.

[@purpleirklegrovestreet]

@@redmoney4155 you needed a franchise qb after making kirk cousins one of the highest paid players in nfl history? Yall need to stop lying to urselves and just be honest about ur front office being horrible.

[@TFT_guy]

I agree with the last guy

[@jaygribbin1667]

This is why we are the laughing stock of the NFL Go Falcons

[@Joseph-gm3qm]

What's the problem? Sit Penix for a year while he learns and have Kirk Cousins mentor him while also leading the team, I really don't see the issue here. I'm not a Falcon fan but I understand that Kirk isn't their long term solution, Kirk is 35, having a quarterback learn behind him doesn't strike me as a bad decision

[@TruBlackMan]

Think this is actually a great pick and idea

[@jdalegria26]

The reason why its a shocker and why many are harsh and critical of this move is: 1. Kirk Cousin was just signed to a four-year, $180m contract with $100m guaranteed. That's a lot of fucking money for someone who who just suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 2. With more talented players on the board that fit a more immediate needs like DE, WR and CB they chose a QB. The best DE player was still available, the best WR was still available. 3. Ponix has injury concerns, yes he has been healthy in the last 2 yrs but he is coming from 2 TORN ACLs in the same right knee. 4. Penix will be 24 yrs old very soon and if he is going to SIT behind Kirk he will be 26 before he gets to start because the falcons cant get rid of Kirk now with so much money tied to him. 5. Ponix is the more ready now QB in this draft as he played 6 seasons in a PRO STYLE offense. DID I SAY HE PLAY 6 seasons? You drafted him to sit down

[@bipolarpunt5721]

Should have told Cousins about the first pick. Team should be closer and open.

[@nickking9568]

I think it was a terrible pic not because I think penix is bad just Kirk is a good QB and odunze made more sense

[@thomaskee0224]

They should’ve taken Dallas Turner, they needed an edge rusher and or a wide receiver like Worthy from Texas or better yet McConkey from Georgia the steal and most underrated player in the draft. Good pick Chargers you won’t regret it. It’s not that Atlanta won’t need a future quarterback because Cousins is older, but they could’ve waited until next year to grab a quarterback then. They have some solid pieces if everyone stays healthy and how shitty the south division is they could contend for the playoffs this year. Nothing against Penix it just wasn’t what we needed. Cousin will ball out if they can keep him healthy and up right. Don’t know if he was totally worth all that money at his age but this team needs his leadership bad. He will make Kyle Pitts and Drake London shine I promise you that. Didn’t need to mention Robinson we all know how good that guy is.

[@HeadEnterprise]

Trying to justify this pick is wild lol

[@Sconi71]

Let Penix watch and learn - Every Packer Fan

[@owenloveridge279]

It’s hard being a Falcons fan although I really hope I’m wrong about this being a bad pick

[@unapologetic9396]

Holyyyy 27 is the new 37 or something

[@tjtotheb]

gotta’ love a franchise that isn’t clear with their QB 1 🤣

[@user-jd4uz9gw3h]

Last year there was a QB drought. Good Qb classes don’t come every year

[@DFWRecruiting-fv7gl]

The Falcons will Win , Penix will learn the NFL from a Veteran. I am a Big Falcon Fan Now

[@xperensdskateboards]

It was a descent pick but of your worried about Kirk cousin lasting picking the most injured qb as a potential replacement is kinda stupid.

[@Kenneth-s4i]

If he plays good pre season ball he be trade bait could turn him into another high first and 2nd 3rd just wait and see

[@JuiceManJ91]

I think it was a great pick!

[@heyymannnnnnn]

Cousins is a 36 year old QB who still hasn't recovered fully from achilles injury who has only won 1 playoff game in his entire career. People are fking delusional about Cousins, he's a stopgap QB

[@joet7402]

Difference is that they just brought Cousins in. He isn’t a veteran that’s been playing with them for years and years. They just brought him in

[@anthonyshumake5488]

Im the same age as author b we don't have 2_3 yrs to wait for a SB run draft defence now

[@sidneysill8495]

This makes ZERO sense.

[@realgooddoty9395]

Penix got drafted by the wrong team.

[@jovaughnthompson354]

Exactly, great player. Wrong team.

[@parisbeech2180]

😂😂😂😂

[@quentinmathes2361]

Hater alert

[@stoniestarks1045]

The Vikings did want to keep Kurt

[@larryshelby6679]

Good pick

[@DJStereo21]

Shoe on the other foot now. did anyone give rg3 the heads up when the redskins drafted cousins with their next pick in the same draft... gtfoh!!

[@Paula-mv8im]

They did. This is a different situation as RGIII and Kirk were both rookies.

[@GreasyWop]

The falcons must be insecure about Kirk health...And I dont blame them. they have a lot of good players on that team and they want to win this year. Now they have an insurance policy. Hopefully Penix doesnt have to sit and waste his talent on the bench, but on the other hand I dont want to see anyone get injured. Hindsight is 20-20 but Falcons should not have got them selves into this expensive contract with an aging QB coming off a serious injury.

[@db1558]

We needed defensive players.

[@Dixon_Cider407]

They should have just traded for Lamar Jackson a few years back if they were gonna do this garbage

[@marvinwilks5893]

We thought he might be coming to the Raiders.. But WE Got TE Brock Bowers

[@apartment688]

It's a succession plan

[@Grinders713]

Why is it a big deal. You have a QB to develop under a good veteran that could go down with an injury

[@nathanbedfordforest]

The real question is why did the Falcons pay Cousins that much money.

[@babydriver8844]

I talked to my bro otp last month I said I want falcons to get Micheal penix or Jayden Daniels some how and look and behold

[@inpursuitofexcellence750]

We haven’t had a pass rush since Vic Beasley in 2016. I would be ok with this had we signed a big name free agent pass rusher smh.

[@liefyaple8927]

Kirk should demand a trade. Free Kirk

[@tyriqueknox1003]

Shut up

[@mehtacotute]

So they want to be like GB and get to playoffs a bunch but never win really?

[@raulrivera622]

Micah knows kirk well check his stats against him, he knows he isn't that guy

[@natureredux1957]

The Falcons are the Envy of the League by making this pick. No other team is as deep at the QB position. Pure Genius move.

[@shamelessdaddy8707]

I know Penix is the son of a football coach and a real team player but considering all of the considerations in this particular situation, If I'm Michael Penix, I don't want to sit for 2 years! I think he should demand that they either get rid of Kirk or get rid of him. I know that's hard for a rookie to do but this is bull crap The kid is already 24 years old You're not going to give him an opportunity to play until he's 26 just because you're afraid of how good he could be for another team right now? The falcons screwed him over!

[@RedCom351]

CJ body language is very telling