Night one of the 2024 NFL Draft saw some unexpected twists. Six out of the first 12 picks were quarterbacks, adding to the excitement. Among the surprises was the Atlanta Falcons’ selection at pick number 8. Despite several other options, they stunned everyone by selecting Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. This decision raised eyebrows across the league, sparking discussion among fans and NFL insiders. During a post-round one press conference, Bears GM Ryan Poles was asked about the Falcons’ questionable pick and their decision to pass on Washington WR Rome Odunze, whom the Bears then drafted at number 9. Poles responded with a laugh and a sideways smile, that showed he was very happy with how things unfolded.
The draft board played out exactly how the Bears had hoped, leaving them feeling confident after round one. As for the Falcons and Michael Penix Jr., there will undoubtedly be a lot of uncertainty and speculation in the coming days/months. It’s now on them to silence those doubts. Can Penix Jr. succeed?
Sure. However, signing Kirk Cousins to a significant contract this off-season might suggest they should have invested more in building the team around him. Nonetheless, Poles made his opinion clear tonight and is rightfully ecstatic with the Bears selection of Rome Odunze courtesy (kind of) of the Atlanta Falcons.
I’m better with the Penix pick than I am the Cousins signing. That’s a lot of locked in money for an older guy coming off an Achilles.
It’s just a bad look in ATL. THey have had zero pass rush since Fowler left. Now, instead of improving the team they have, they invest a #1 pick into a QB that won’t see the field for a couple of years? Oh, not to mention, Pitts, London, and one year after that Bijan, will be due for big money extensions. So by the time Penix gets on the field the team will be much different, and not improved by a blue chip player in this year’s draft. Gotta love the Ryan Pace influence!
Happy that Pace made this unexpected decision. I am also happy for Penix due to his football journey and production so far. Rome fell into Pole’s lap, great.
Looks like the Falcons want to sit Penix behind Cousins for 2 years, then launch him out much like GB did with Jordan Love. Cousins contract after 2025 has no dead money, and they probably assume there is a reasonable chance he won’t perform well after 2 more years or so. Penix will also provide backup capabilities for the occasional injury to Cousins. This actually isn’t a bad plan at all, although it is expensive. One of the “Pros” of this is that you don’t create a Prima Donna or overwhelm your rookie QB, and history shows most QBs and… Read more »
Brutally mocks them?? I would have thought this was a Lambert article with that excessive title. Poles smiled… that’s it… Very odd pick I would say. Just gave Cousins A LOT of money. But um very glad it worked out as it did. Beyond happy with this draft no matter what happens the rest of the rounds.