Michael Penix, Jr. NFL Draft Pick By Atlanta Makes No Sense, Says OutKick's Clay Travis
Shocker of the top 10!
Heisman runner-up Michael Penix, Jr. is headed to the Atlanta Falcons, a team who stunned the league by picking the QB with the eighth pick.
A massive elephant just entered the room in Atlanta, home to first-year Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, who joined this offseason on a new four-year, $180 million deal.
Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. celebrates after a 37-31 victory vs. the Texas Longhorns in the CFP Semifinal Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Penix was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Paying a quarterback $45 million and drafting a QB in the top 10 is a bold move that left a ton of fans scratching their heads.
OutKick founder Clay Travis reacted to the shocking pick and called the Falcons' front office out for making a baffling pick by drafting Penix.
Travis called the pick a total flop on a financial level.
(Did the Falcons make the wrong pick at No. 9? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
Michael Penix - A Decision Made By An Imbecile
"So here's the issue. The only reason to draft a quarterback, in general, if you're trying to build a team is the four years where the contract dollars are insubstantial. Right. You're getting a value. Like, for instance, what happened with C.J. Stroud.
"Your quarterback should cost $40 or $50 million a year if he's good. You get him in a way reduced rate and you get a fifth year option. So based on the money that they've given Kirk Cousins yeah, this is a nonsensical pick.
"From a financial perspective, it is the decision that is made by an imbecile."
Chad Withrow and Jonathan Hutton also reacted to the Penix pick on OutKick's NFL Draft Watch Party.
Michael Penix Jr. had a stellar 2023 campaign that saw him named as a Heisman Trophy finalist. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Withrow said, "This is a top five pick talent to me. And he's my favorite quarterback in this draft. Even better than Caleb Williams. But if you're Kirk Cousins. What in the hell are you thinking right now? …"
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