Ryan Leaf Would Draft Washington's Michael Penix Jr. With The 1st Overall Pick | 10/13/23

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf joins the Dan Patrick Show in studio and explains why if he were drafting 1st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft he would take Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over USC's Caleb Williams and UNC's Drake Maye

[@coachmullen1]

Thank you Ryan Leaf. It's good to see you doing well!

[@robesterd8132]

Never ever seen a QB operate this well in college. This guys got unreal anticipation, ball placement, accuracy and goes through his progression extremely well. It’s like if Tua had a rifle. That’s why Ryan keeps emphasizing the No sacks part because u can’t get to him before the ball is out. And this guy has no footwork btw he does this mostly on his upper body strength and not his lower body. When coaches get to him in the NFL watch out.

[@robjohnston366]

I'd agree with you and Ryan completely, except for the fact that MPII has had two left-knee ACLs in 2018 & 2020, a left-shoulder, and a right-sternoclavicle injury. I guess the 2020 ACL occurred because he wasn't ready to play. I'll be rooting for him that he's injury free from now on. I like the Tua comparison, because they'll both look like they put too much effort into throwing intermediate passes but they're always on target. But definitely a stronger arm, with ability to throw long passes, whereas Tua would have to throw a long ball with a quicker release.

[@robesterd8132]

@@robjohnston366Yea those injuries will be a major red flag to some teams, I bet there will be some that won’t even have him on the board Because of that. I do hope that he goes to a good Offensive mind.

[@kevinpopham2956]

I agree, the dude is incredible. He doesn't get sacked, at all. 27 career sacks in 1450 pass attempts. Caleb Williams has been sacked 27 times this season in only 300 attempts.

[@ryanthomas9543]

@@robesterd8132Minnesota Vikings will draft MPJr.

[@OathKeeper1506]

No? That's because he should have been in the pros by now. The man is pushing 30 and there's a word for people who spend that many years in college: A Doctor. lol

[@user-gv9bl9uf3t]

Checking in the day after the draft lol

[@mattm3586]

100% agree Penix Jr is the best qb in this draft. Crazy arm talent, release and processing. Ball is away from the defender most of the time and the deep ball is a thing of beauty.

[@scotttubiolo9028]

Great call Leaf!

[@green7woodtriangle883]

Imo Penix Jr just looks like he is more NFL ready than any college QB ive seen in a while.

[@jonnyboi068]

💯

[@jamesabc372]

That's why I think he will go in the top 3, nobody talking about him. Because they want him! If commander's are smart they take him 2nd pick round 1 and don't worry about what people think! He's a pocket passer with some mobility, which he will show proday!

[@schmidty2117]

I'll bet you 100 dollars he doesn't go top 3 ​@@jamesabc372

[@MrShragg]

This take Aged well

[@goldenratio369]

That's some deep stuff what u said about Caleb vs Penix as an NFL QB. So sounds like Penix may be the steal of the draft. Great analysis, Ryan!

[@Heralone25]

Penix for Heisman

[@Hoosier_leclere]

Well after this weekend he looks right. Williams looked as bad as has ever been against Notre Dame and pinix won the game against Oregon with four touchdown passes

[@jayanthkumar7964]

Ryan Leaf knows ball.

[@Keeferz4Keeperz]

he does indeed

[@HawkinsTTV]

I think it's also interesting and less talked about that Penix had a nice time playing in the Big Ten for Indiana against those defenses as well these in the PAC12. So he had a great opportunity to see all that, a real world experience of that various types and styles of Defenses in two different conferences. He had some unfortunate injury history while there, but he still managed to go out and get the ball where it needed to go. Hopefully that will help him successfully navigate the NFL, we all know Pro football is a whole other type of game from College and the teams that are gonna be in the running picking him in the draft arent gonna be teams that have good track records lol. I want to see him succeed so badly, he's fantastic to watch play.

[@robesterd8132]

I’m hoping he goes to a team like the Vikings, I can see him step in day 1 like stroud and look like a seasoned pro in the right situation.

[@Chuida17]

@@robesterd8132him on the flacons with London and pitts plus a new HC (bienemy?) would be great

[@TonydaGM]

He isn't going high

[@jamesabc372]

Penix jr was J. Daniels before Daniels,look at his Indiana videos! Because of the ACL tears,he had to learn to be a pocket passer, and learn pre and post snap decisions!

[@jamesabc372]

M.Penix jr. "carried his team to the championship game"!😮😅😊

[@chevyjr1862]

He is spot on what caleb does doesn't translate in the nfl kinda like hiw bryce young doesn't translate with the running and cute move penix jr slices u up from the pocket and is the best 50/50 ball thrower to his playmakers in 1 on 1 coverage

[@TJB270]

Mahomes was the same style QB Caleb was in college. Ran the same system too, and analysts/fans like yourself said the same thing.

[@ItzWK]

He has an incredible arm and is incredibly accurate... Throws it quick... Makes smart decisions.... Why wouldn't u pick him?

[@shaughnrourke3889]

Knees

[@joshn3579]

terrible footwork and injury history

[@tacosarecool7991]

@@joshn3579footwork should be easy once he reaches nfl coaches

[@llkla4507]

@@joshn3579terrible footwork is what they said about pat mahomes .. which was the last qb to lead the nation in passing in back2 back years n penix did it after all those injuries .. what are we talkin about

[@jamesabc372]

​@@joshn3579footwork can be coached,past injuries can be examined extensive medical exam!😮😅😊

[@allenflett1214]

This aged nicely

[@marcustodd2910]

I'm a Bears fan and more and more I also think I'd rather them draft Penix Jr. That said, I hope other teams stay super high on Williams so we can trade back and get a haul while still getting Harrison Jr and Penix Jr. Jr to Jr for the win!

[@jamesabc372]

I can understand that!😮 I hope my commander's get him as soon as they can! You don't wait if you believe he's your guy! 😮 Don't worry what people think!😅😅😊

[@mickybender7726]

Hands down, best Qb in college football right now, and most pro ready Qb going into the draft. Caleb will be fine, but as of right now MPJ is ahead of him in terms of strategic ball and drive management.

[@OathKeeper1506]

Yeah... with 12 years of college experience I'd say he's ready too. LOL

[@shankdiddy9045]

I been saying this for months.... now if you believe you know football you can't help but agree with my following points.... The NFL game is dominated by QB historically who can drop back calm in the pocket , have a theme of good decision making and make anticipation throws accurately. This is the NFL game... I don't care what type of QB >> mobile or pocket.. doesn' t matter what style. If can't drop back and deal and have control of the game as a passer and in calm control over what is happening... YOU CAN NOT BE ELITE!!!!.. .. command in the pocket and throwing people open is the name of the game... NOBODY in the draft class is better than Micheal Penix Jr.. nobody. Guy NFL mock drafts and media people ranking Penix after Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix seem so so cringe. Because they simply aren't doing NFL level things with the pure drop back game. None of those guys have a identity of making plays on 3rd and 6 plus throwing someone open. I rank Penix above Sheduer Sanders and I love Sanders game.. but he holds the ball too long Drake Maye is only 20 and hasn't really developed into what we hope he can. He has tons of potential but you would be drafting him hoping he becomes something he isn't yet Caleb Williams absolutely will not be able to make a living doing hero scrambling around .. it has NEVER been how the game has been played. Patrick Mahomes may have highlights of making plays like that.. .but we forgot the other 30 times a game he is making dagger throws and projecting the passing game down field... THAT is his identity. Comparing Caleb Williams to Mahomes is a leap ... because you have to basically get me to believe that he is dropping back and dealing from the pocket.. ( I am concerned Caleb williams simply isn't "seeing it" at a high level) .. we underestimate how well Patrick Mahomes functions conventionally in the drop back game. Penix Jr is the MOST plug and play QB in this draft. With the instiinctive skill sets that historically lead to great QB play... eyes down field making good choices and getting the ball out and making anticipation throws accurately .. NOBODY in the draft is even close to what he brings ... the MOST translatable QB in this draft class by a mile.

[@laurietongish7941]

Well said if you ask me Bill and the Patriots are tanking for Penix.

[@shankdiddy9045]

@@laurietongish7941 I absolutely would hate to go to the Patriots. .. they don't support the QB they drafted. .. not significant additions skill positions or OL.. they don't run the ball too help the QB.. they call plays based on their system and not the players they have (ego big time)... that would be a dumpster fire... and i will say of every QB in this draft every single one of them will bust in New England... that is one of the most nightmare places a QB can go. And there is no answer to this. They will blame Mac Jones and draft a New QB and that QB will be in a nightmare

[@laurietongish7941]

@@shankdiddy9045 I hope Penix doesn't get drafted by them but it might be inevitable. Mac can hold the clipboard for a few years before coming out of obscurity when he is traded to the REAL quarterback whisperer in Seattle (Pete Caroll) who will turn him into a pro bowl player ie Geno Smith. GO SEAHAWKS

[@shankdiddy9045]

@@laurietongish7941 Nah that isn't giving Geno Smith credit. Geno Smith could always play. He was just on the wrong team.. Pats will bust the next QB first rounder they draft doesn't matter who it is

[@laurietongish7941]

@@shankdiddy9045 I totally agree Geno could always play. He just needed a coach to believe in him and put him in the right situation. Carroll did that for him. Now he's a top ten quarterback.

[@christianmason4805]

Ryan Leaf I’m a fan of

[@DianaRussia531]

Projecting "franchise" QB's to the NFL one of the hardest things to get right in scouting.

[@dontaybell5902]

Penix JR is the best QB. No question about it

[@MB-go6uy]

NGL after I saw Penix combine.. good lord. His throws. He can make them all, and its godly. If he stays healthy and gets on a team to start his rookie year, he will be the best QB coming out of that draft.

[@Hillywillbilly]

Ryan is sooooo spot on

[@richardwhite6062]

Me toooo! He has the best head on his shoulders. On and off the field. Best arm. No red flags other than early injuries and he has been healthy for 2 years.

[@Yeep-uq4od]

Yeah Penix is my #1

[@johngoodman1540]

As a Huskies fan, I love reading about Penix. My only concern would be his durability at the pro level, he reminds me some of Robert Griffin III in his build and his injury history is somewhat worrisome, in my unqualified opinion.

[@Chuida17]

Luckily he’s a pocket passer

[@mileybaby7576]

This most realistic take I’ve heard so far.

[@andjohn7912]

And he was 4 months ago

[@Antbeast23]

I look at intangibles and leadership. Poise winning mentality’s

[@VillageStreetDogs]

The left handed Brady with his pocket presence.

[@fredwright9755]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@danielmonfort3235]

More like Michael Vick.

[@zoealexa4070]

One comment that actually aged well....smart guy.

[@saratpoluri]

I dont know about Penix at 1 but the boy throws a pretty ball, quick release and decisive.

[@Kudeghraw]

Atlanta would be wise to take him at 8.

[@sinerge2832]

I knew Leaf was a closet Husky.

[@Stinkinbadgez]

RYAN this aged well. Congrats

[@anagram8]

Michael Penix Jr. needs to go the a team that is not in a must win situation very much like Patrick Mahomes when he came out.

[@Edgesofnowhere008]

Vikings.

[@Antbeast23]

Caleb Williams leaves the pocket a lot and needs to work on ball security but Williams playmaking poise and confidence is unmatched.

[@ChristianNationalist891]

How did Ryan Leaf pass the background check to be a commentator? Lol...

[@mega00760]

since Ryan got cleaned up and im not sure that has happened hes pretty good on the mic

[@turneryoung905]

I can’t wait to look back on how dumb we were to give Jayden Daniels the Heisman Trophy with poor performances in losing his 3 biggest games while stuffing stats vs 5-7/7-5 teams, over Michael Penix Jr. Starts with MPJ leading his team pack and prep for 2.5wks to dominate Texas in the Sugar Bowl, then traveling straight to win the CFP Final vs Michigan/Bama in Houston.

[@glenlackey2]

NFL QB Scouting Example - # of QB's taken ahead of these great players: Tom Brady picked 6th QB. Dan Marino picked 6th, Mahomes 2nd, Josh Allen 3rd, Joe Montana 4th, Kirk Cousins 8th, Lamar Jackson 5th, Dak Prescott 6th, Jalen Hurts 5th... now there are some top ones who panned out good but more often than not the scouts were wrong. I remember pundit arguing if Ryan Leaf was better than P. Manning.

[@jamesabc372]

CW might be in the green room longer than he thinks😅😅😅😅😅😅😮!

[@Jimmy2Guns]

Michael Penix jr 🏹 🗣️ U ARE A RAIDER 🏴‍☠️

[@jayykage187]

Broncos fan here and I’m hoping we land him🙏🏽

[@dantrav1927]

injury will end his career

[@andjohn7912]

Same man

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

For a Cougar to say trhat - that's impressive.

[@user-mp8ur1gf2p]

If the Vikings draft him there would be unstoppable he puts the ball Where he wants it don’t even make since like a left handed Dan Marino 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@TPRighteous]

🎯🎯🎯

[@MOSSMAN125]

Consider the source

[@ReallyGotMotion]

Special special player. If he was a righty and didn’t have the injury history he would be seen in the same class as Caleb.

[@downsouth00]

Is that a thing? You’re more overlooked as a qb if you’re a lefty?

[@tvtda1]

​@@downsouth00 isn't it obvious? look at the league, how many QB's literally in the league, not even starting are left handed? tua is hilariously right handed, ambidextrous, and only plays left handed lol then the number is even lower lol

[@ReallyGotMotion]

@@downsouth00 i think so 100%. This guys got a rifle and makes some hole shot throws that I’ve never seen before. But for some reason it just doesn’t look as powerful maybe due to perception. I don’t think his arm is regarded enough.

[@jovaughnthompson354]

@@ReallyGotMotionI don’t think people are questioning his arm talent, it’s obviously there. A lot of persons are just blatantly biased towards right handed qbs.

[@trevorchyz8693]

@@downsouth00as a lefty watching a guy throw left handed is weird cause the motion looks odd even when you flip it it looks natural and with a nfl offence having to flip everything would be a struggle. His pro comp is a Tua to me with his precision accuracy and pocket awareness.

[@Bballin8103]

Penix will dominate in the NFL. Just know that. And if he’s a Niner somehow look out!!

[@sandnsurf5235]

Penix on the jets or the bucs I think would be nice

[@marktrail8624]

Penix will probably have a problem with getting balls batted down in the NFL. Oregon has a good defense and deflected 3 of his passes. He's a 3/4 sidearmed lefty.

[@desmondjefferson2127]

Uh, damn...if Ryan leaf says that, now I'm worried🤣😂🤣

[@andjohn7912]

Warren moon says the same thing

[@wpl8275]

Williams. Not injured. Not a funky throwing motion. Not a 6 year guy. And elite arm talent. Williams is way better than Penix.

[@wpl8275]

Also, Ryan Leaf I mean come on. Would you take him over Peyton Manning? Then don't take Penix over Williams.

[@jamesabc372]

Williams definitely is creative 😄!

[@johnnyzsalt5374]

Even Ryan knows the Pac-12 or 10 has never had a QB like Penix Jr. WSU is supposed to be QB U. Looks like UW got the guy for the next era. I'm still a Coug fan, but can they work on the Rushing D a bit? Looks like a high school D out there.

[@Bballin8103]

Sure ya …Ryan Leaf is the opinion I trust the most. 🙄

[@michaelbatula721]

🎉

[@jamesabc372]

Penix jr. was "JD" before Daniels! he had the the 2 acl injuries and learn to be a pocket passer and got pre and post snap reads.😮😅😊

[@billwill1337]

So That`s how you say it.

[@solidstudd22]

I hope my New England Patriots can draft Michael Penix Jr.

[@user-rn6hr1qw3l]

Nix isn't even in the mix , Penix schooled Oregon and usc truth

[@teddylovesit]

are there many college QBs who are 23?

[@TCFUsquad]

Burrow was 23 when he got drafted

[@bluesplit2887]

In the PAC 12, Bo Nix is 23 1/2.

[@matthewcampbell8442]

This interview hits a little different after watching penix get beat up against michigan

[@jamesabc372]

Michigan beat up everybody this year. Especially the defense carried the team to a championship!😮😅😊

[@austinreed7073]

You saw it here first, Raiders are taking Penix Jr at 13

[@RRRRRdawg]

Penix is a Raider

[@joshdarius5995]

Lmao, yeah after how many 8 balls???! 🤣

[@ohhhdwall]

I still like Drake Maye the best and I am a huge fan of Shedeur. Caleb just doesn't do it for me tbh.

[@EscapedFromAzkaban]

Just Say No to Penix. In his career, he's already had two season-ending ACL injuries and one to his non-throwing shoulder. The NFL will destroy his body.

[@eriklongworth915]

As a UW fan. I love him, but as An NFL scout he is a statue QB. Can't make plays with his feet. Will be a 1st round pick, a possible Heisman winner, but will be average in the NFL

[@bluesplit2887]

Penix can move if he has to, but you lose half the field when rolling out. He's also got pocket presence. Jacob Eason was a guy who could make plays with his feet, but unfortunately, they were mostly negative plays. Eason has been a solid practice squad player in the NFL.

[@user-vo4on3qk9j]

LMAOOOOoOoOoOo

[@TheSid2355]

Raiders should take Penix at 13

[@NaoShouaFamily]

If I was the bear I’ll trade back 2 spot .. pick up Harris JR …penix next pick

[@JordanR34948]

Micheal penix 1a Jayden Daniel’s 1b

[@S60W]

Penix Jr better than Maye by miles it's not even close

[@Chuckbuckles]

Bills gotta trade allen for this guy

[@UKBrownsNFL]

Pennix will be 24 years old as a rookie, has had 2 ACL tears as well as 2 other season ending injuries and has played 6 years in college, this is such a ludicrous take its actually beyond belief lol

[@jayanthkumar7964]

LOL spoken like someone who hasn't seen him play these past two years.

[@UKBrownsNFL]

@@jayanthkumar7964 I'm not doubting his play, he's played great, but to claim he's the same level of prospect as Lawrence/Luck is absurd, he'll be lucky to be the 3rd QB taken in his class, great guy and great story but my god the over-hype is ridiculous

[@austingreen1274]

@@jayanthkumar7964He’s right.

[@BohotTheRobot]

@@UKBrownsNFL 21 or 24 you take the pro ready QB. Penix Jr is ready. None of these other guys are close.

[@2jzandys444]

So he has more experience and displays that perfectly. What team with a good o-line would not want him

[@fredwright9755]

I would draft jd5

[@seattlecarpenter]

Ryan's comments are aging very well.

[@TWCAlex802]

Evergreen State bias much? 🤔

[@cs292]

Who listens to Ryan Leaf😂

[@paulbatol7707]

Apparently just because you avoid sacks, doesn’t mean you win games lol

[@robertbougher8820]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Keator0728]

Penix will be 24 next year in the pros. Drake Maye is a red shirt sophomore.

[@robjohnston366]

A bit more than two years difference in age; Maye will be 22 as a pro next year.

[@Keator0728]

@@robjohnston366 if Maye was in college as long as Penix if would be rewriting record books

[@robjohnston366]

@@Keator0728 Penix was injured just about the entire time he was with Indiana. Go ahead and put him down for that. Let's hope, though, that they can both stay healthy to see where they take their teams, as well as through their pro careers.

[@jamesishii5411]

Ryan Leaf? Really...

[@america1st721]

so a terrible nfl QB and now a terrible scout. that said, caleb is by no stretch of the imagination the best qb in the draft.

[@parulp6385]

Caleb will go #1 and Jayden Daniels may jump to 2, Drake’s arm is good not great. Don’t worry to some of the intelligent Bear fans- Fields is gone and he is trash

[@exvandal187]

Bro has 3 nfl wideouts relax

[@BohotTheRobot]

Doesn't take away from the fact that he's the most accurate QB in college football. It goes both ways too.

[@shizbang]

This is how we know he will bust