Every version is unpredictable, and the 2024 NFL Draft will be no different. Sure, Caleb Williams will be the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears, but after that? Everything is a toss-up.
While some prospects are near-locks to become top-five, top-ten, and first-round selections, many others face an uncertain future. Predicting what happens at quarterback is an exhausting task. While the consensus suggests Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye will end up as top-five picks, there’s still a lot of confusion over where these players will land in the NFL.
After that, it gets even more unpredictable for players like J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. Many rumors suggest McCarthy won’t slip out of the top ten, and definitely not out of the top 15. But Penix? That’s a different story.
The former Washington quarterback is viewed as anywhere from a first-round prospect to one who could become a top pick in the second round. But all it takes is one team to fall in love with Penix’s big arm.
Michael Penix Jr. expected to be a top-12 pick in NFL Draft?
Despite all the uncertainty, CBS’ NFL insider Jonathan Jones believes Penix will become a first-round pick no matter what, and he even says he’ll be one of the first 15 players selected on Thursday.
“The Washington QB has been rising lately, and I believe he’ll be drafted in the first dozen picks no matter what happens next week. The Falcons paid a lot of money to a 36-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury in a deal they can get out of in two years if they must.”
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones on Michael Penix’s draft projection
Predicting Penix to be drafted in the first 12 picks isn’t the biggest surprise in the world, considering how many teams are in desperate need of adding more competition to their QB room. But projecting Penix to land with the Falcons? That might be a bit of a stretch after inking Kirk Cousins to the most expensive contract signed this offseason.
Yet, Jones’ larger point remains fascinating. While some reports suggest Penix isn’t being viewed as a first-round pick, coaches reportedly feel differently. And again, all it takes is one team.
It’s not unreasonable to think someone between the Patriots, Vikings, Raiders, and Broncos prefers to gamble on Penix’s upside, knowing he possesses specific traits that cannot be coached at the next level. While others may be more polished, they cannot develop the arm strength that Penix currently possesses, but he can continue working on his timing, accuracy, and footwork with the proper tutelage.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: 6 QBs in Round 1 with Raiders, Vikings and Broncos trades
Related: NFL Insider: Las Vegas Raiders smart to snag Michael Penix Jr. with the 13th Pick
