The Atlanta Falcons shocked everyone by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract earlier in the offseason. Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who was part of a live stream panel with Bleacher Report, learned of the pick in real-time and had a positive reaction to it. Pitts highlighted the opportunity for Penix to learn from a veteran like Cousins and expressed confidence in the young player’s abilities.
Pitts admitted that he was shocked by the selection of Penix, as he was expecting the team to focus on defense in the draft. The unexpected move surprised not only Pitts but also other members of the panel, including Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys. Pitts mentioned that he initially thought Penix would be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, who owned the 11th overall pick but traded up to select another quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
While Pitts was supportive of Penix joining the Falcons, there were reports of frustration and confusion from Cousins’ camp about the team drafting his potential replacement. Cousins, who had signed a four-year deal with Atlanta, had the first two years of his contract fully guaranteed, allowing the team to potentially part ways with him after two seasons. The decision to draft Penix as a succession plan for Cousins raised questions about the team’s long-term strategy and the handling of the quarterback position.
The Falcons’ move to draft Penix as Cousins’ potential replacement generated buzz and speculation throughout the NFL world. Despite the initial surprise and mixed reactions, the team’s decision reflected a strategic approach to securing the quarterback position for the future. The drafting of Penix raised questions about how the team planned to transition from Cousins to a younger quarterback and manage the dynamics within the quarterback room.
Pitts’ positive reaction to the selection of Penix underscored the potential for the young quarterback to benefit from learning under a seasoned veteran like Cousins. The opportunity for Penix to observe and learn from Cousins’ professionalism both on and off the field was seen as a valuable experience for his development as a player. The unexpected draft pick highlighted the Falcons’ commitment to building a competitive team for the future while managing the challenges of transitioning between different generations of players.
Overall, the selection of Penix by the Falcons represented a bold move that sparked discussions and debates within the NFL community. The team’s decision to draft him as a potential successor to Cousins raised questions about their long-term plans and the handling of the quarterback position. Despite the initial shock and confusion surrounding the pick, Pitts and others recognized the potential for Penix to contribute to the team’s success and undergo significant growth throughout his career.
