Trent Dilfer Thinks Controversial Michael Penix Pick Was 'Brilliant'

Former NFL quarterback and current UAB head coach Trent Dilfer joined OutKick's "Hot Mic" to share his thoughts on the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with some counter-consensus views on the most controversial pick.

After investing $100 million to bring Kirk Cousins to Atlanta from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, the Falcons made the splash of the draft by picking former Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. Many, including Clay Travis, thought the pick was bewildering, to say the least.

READ: Michael Penix, Jr. NFL Draft Pick By Atlanta Makes No Sense, Says OutKick's Clay Travis

Penix, who's undeniably talented and helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff final in 2023, was generally highly regarded, but at essentially 24-years-old, is also seen as ready to play in the near future. Cousins though, seemingly blocks him for the next few years, at least. For Dilfer though, that doesn't mean the Penix pick was a mistake.

Dilfer explained that despite the seeming disconnect, he believes Cousins is well suited to handle it and help develop Penix into a star. He compared it to the Packers' strategy with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love, believing Penix can grow with Cousins' help.

"The Falcons are looking 3,4,5,6,7 years down the line here, they're looking to become Super Bowl contenders for a decade, not just change their franchise now," Dilfer said. 

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Trent Dilfer Explains His Thoughts On Other Top Quarterback Picks

He also touched on his philosophy towards quarterbacks in general. Comparing quarterbacks to ice cream, in that everyone has different preferences, but they're all awesome in their individual ways.

Dilfer explained that teams draft "Based on your taste," meaning that every organization tries to take quarterbacks that fit best within their scheme or system. And he may be right; as we've seen time and time again, sometimes quarterback skill is less important than fitting into the team's system.

He applied that philosophy to J.J. McCarthy, who went to the Minnesota Vikings to replace the departed Cousins. McCarthy is "ready to play," according to Dilfer, and fits the Vikings style of balance and dominance at the line of scrimmage.

Despite not being the most talented quarterback in the draft, he fits what Kevin O'Connell wants to do in Minnesota. 

As we've seen with quarterbacks like Brock Purdy in San Francisco, teams don't necessarily have to have the most talented player at the position to advance deep into the playoffs. Coaching, scheme fit, and lack of mistakes can be just as valuable as scrambling and a strong arm. 

With Penix however, if the Falcons intend to have him develop behind Cousins for the next four years, that would mean he doesn't start until he's 28-years-old. Patrick Mahomes is currently 28 and has been in six consecutive AFC Championship games and won three Super Bowls. 

Drafting a quarterback for the future, intending to develop him behind an established starter makes sense, but only if you believe that quarterback is uniquely talented, or young enough to where the process plays out so he's starting through his physical peak. Penix is on the older side for a college quarterback, making a draft and develop strategy an odd choice. Dilfer and the Falcons may be right; maybe they will look brilliant if Penix turns into a star after learning under Cousins. 

Or maybe they'll have missed out on an opportunity to add more talent with a top-10 pick, or fall in love with another college quarterback in two years while Penix is still on the bench.