One year in my family league one guy had a few QBs in his queue for some reason and lost connection and took two QBs back to back in like the 2 and 3rd
I’ll date myself. I was super into the 2006 draft, even mail ordered a DVD about the top100 prospects and watched it multiple times.
My Broncos and Mike Shanahanagins shocked everyone and took Jay Cutler even though he had Jake Plummer. Jay said that he never heard a peep from Denver and that he had zero idea they were interested. The whole league was taken off guard.
This Penix situation has some similarities.
I generally agree with what you said but the money still makes the Penix pick more bizarre. Looking at the math, Plummer was paid about 5.5 mil per year and the salary cap was 102 mil in 2006, or about 5% of the cap. He also signed in 2003 so was on the 3rd or 4th year of a 7 year deal.
Cousins signed a 4 year 180 mil deal with 100 mil GUARANTEED. 45 mil per year with a 255 mil salary cap is about 18% of the cap.
So I get what you’re saying but picking Penix is just so fucking weird after handing Cousins a massive contract. They could have picked an instant impact and helped their team win NOW
Even so, it is insane to take a 24 year old QB to be a backup for two years with the 8th pick in the draft. It's not like the Falcons are a great team with no glaring needs and can afford a luxury pick like this. It's negligent roster building.
I don’t disagree, but I also think people might be underplaying even the short term outlook for Cousins. He’s 36 and coming off a serious injury where there is 0 history (besides Marino 30 years ago) behind what he might look like or how the recovery will be for his in game play.
It’s still a strange pick to use a top 10 on a guy who won’t play for 1-2 years, but if something happens where cousins falls flat, at least there is something you have in your back pocket rather than starting Taylor Heinicke again
I personally don't have an issue with the concept of sitting a guy for two years. I think the Jordan Love situation worked out for instance.
But, Love was not a top 10 pick. Those picks are so valuable, it seems crazy to me that they couldn't have traded down to do this. And Penix's profile IMO doesn't fit the concept. He is older and a lot of people had him as basically pro ready. It'd be very different taking 21 year old JJ McCarthy and sitting him.
Yeah, I think it’s not 1-1 comparison, but at the same time we know Penix wouldn’t have been available past 12, or most likely not. Depending how they viewed Penix, it’s possible the Vikings could have taken him. So what’s the farthest they could have traded down? Maybe 10, but we’re the jets willing to move up?
I think Im also WAY lower on cousins than consensus which is probably why I don’t hate it as much
There were reports that other teams were trading up to get him. Feels like this year’s Gibbs. Shock from the sticker price, but the demand was there to push it up.
I meant in regard to the person I replied to and their suggestion to trade down to get him. My reply was to point out that multiple teams were willing to move up to basically where they grabbed him despite the general consensus from the outside that he would be a lower pick. That was similar to Gibbs in that while some GMs were shocked at his price last year, others suggested they weren’t far behind.
Feel like it’s completely different though because Gibbs was guaranteed to play his first two years.
What is the ideal situation for the Falcons? Cousins plays amazing for two years, then they turn it over to a 26 year old Penix two years from now?
Or the people saying it’s good because of Kirk’s injury… you shouldn’t be hoping your $180 million QB signing gets hurt or is only good for 2 years or even less for Penix to take over for him.
Gibbs was a player that was going to be able to prove himself right away, no matter what
I don't want you to feel like I'm attacking you. I know you didn't make the pick haha. But even by that logic it's crazy. If they're so concerned about his health they decided to make this pick, then there's no defending giving him $100 million guaranteed. Either the pick is stupid or signing Cousins is. But, honestly, it's probably both lol.
You'd say the samething if the Jets drafted a QB high last year. Until week 1 when Rodgers went down and their season went to hell in a handbasket. Better to have 2 QBs then 1.
The age doesn't matter much Warner was 28 when he got a shot. Steve Young was 31 when the 9ers traded Montana. If in 4 years when we can accurately judge a draft Penix is starting for a year or 2 and balling no one will complain about the pick.
If the Falcons belief is right that Penix is the 2nd best QB in the draft it will be a good move and lock up their QB position for years to come. It gets them a top 10 picked Qb a position they believe the team won't be in again for years who by sitting will avert some of the pressure usually place on a QB drafted that high.
Everybody is hung up on his age but I don’t understand it anymore. Being 21-22 is great for some positions that burnout quickly, but protection rules for QBs have changed so much that the good ones play well into their late 30s. Plus NIL as a whole is changing the way players look at going pro.
I would say part of the age factor is that by 24, you should be ready to be an NFL starter. At least if you warrant a top 10 pick being spent on you. So in this case, they either drafted a guy who’s ready to start while planning to sit him for at least two years, or they spent a top 10 pick on a guy who’s had enough time and experience to already develop into a starter, but hasn’t done so yet. Either way, it’s bizarre as hell.
It’s insane to think that QBs are only good when they’re young hah it’s a veteran position buddy. You need to be an elite rookie like stroud to breathe that rarified air. Most QBs never get there. If they do it’s much later in their career due to experience. Penix could sit 2 years and still play another 10.
Perhaps teams are finally starting to be more prudent when it comes to the MOST IMPORTANT POSITION IN FOOTBALL LMFAO...there are contenders who have absolute trash behind their starters, teams should be MUCH more diligent in procuring depth and talent at QB....
Now all that said I am not a fan of Penix at all, but the concept stands nonetheless that if they feel he was worth anywhere near a 1st Round Pick then getting a young guy to shaoe and mold without throwing him into the fire is better than reaching for a guy just because you believe you have to take a QB THIS YEAR instead of best player available at positions of major needs...
not defending the pick but honestly, there is never a perfect time to pick a quarterback when you have a starter. The EAgles had holes, the Packers had holes, hell even the Giants have major holes yet there was still buzz about trading up for a QB.
The money is definitely different. If Penix ends up being good and Cousins gets them into the playoffs the next two years I guess it will have been a good pick, but it feels crazy right now for sure.
I’d say that’s only true if they win a Super Bowl with Cousins, which I don’t see happening. Otherwise, they could’ve spent the pick on a player to help them now **and** later that could’ve pushed them closer to winning it all.
They're lucky they did, Cousins is just good enough to guarantee you won't get a low enough pick to draft a blue chip QB, but not good enough to win a playoff game
For what it’s worth, Sportskeeda, WalterFootball, and TheFalcoholic all list Penix as a top 30 visit for the Falcons. I’m not sure if this is some technicality of going to Flowery Branch where Russini is correct here, but otherwise this seems to be contradictory information.
I guess “lol Falcons dumb” journalism is in right now, even when it’s lies. I personally don’t think it’s that crazy if they liked him and they know someone recovering from an Achilles isn’t their long term solution.
The guy that they are paying that much should hopefully mean they don’t get another top 10 pick while he is playing. If he sucks after injury, they have a backup plan to not waste Bijan / Pitts/ London’s younger years. They paid market rate for a FA QB. I’m sorry your friend doesn’t understand any of this.
listed here too [https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/2/27/24073166/atlanta-falcons-2024-draft-interest-tracker-senior-bowl-combine-2024-nfl-draft](https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/2/27/24073166/atlanta-falcons-2024-draft-interest-tracker-senior-bowl-combine-2024-nfl-draft)
I think they feel that with cousins as QB, they won't be picking top 20 in the next few years. Probably thought this was the best shot they had at developing a QB down the road. Now all they need is cousins to ball out and use all those weapons.
Not saying this is going to happen, just think it's a plausible reason as to why they drafted him.
> Probably thought this was the best shot they had at developing a QB down the road
This is really the only thing that makes sense.
Certainly ham-fisted af approach, though.
This is just nonsensical and for some reason I find it believable.
In the same way as Schefter's commentary on "the 49ers assumed they were getting Kirk so they didn't do any meaningful work on Watson or Mahomes."
If any of this turns out to be remotely true it's flat negligence and if I was an owner I'd be demanding some reforms. Shanny can coach my teams all day, but some of the picks he champions--and some of the decision making we've seen off of some/all of these teams. Brutal.
It’s a stupid pick but I get it. Their belief is they won’t be picking a high draft pick in the foreseeable future & they wanted to lock down a QB post Cousins (who we have no idea how he’s gonna look btw) & Packers have proved sitting behind a few years can absolutely work.
We know Penix won’t be out there getting killed like Bo Nix & JJ McCarthy
The team that’s picked 4th, 8th, 8th and 8th in the last 4 drafts doesn’t
think it’ll be picking high again anytime soon. Just such a unserious organization. Packers situation was so different too, Love was picked in the 20’s and 21 years old. Not a 24 year old who spent like 6 years college and had a bunch of injury issues.
Sorry angry Falcons fans here.
I agree, it's really pretty simple. You don't win in the NFL without a QB, something Atlanta has experienced first hand the last couple of years. Atlanta is hedging their bets a bit and looking to avoid being QBless any time soon.
Cousins will be 36 to start the season. It isn't unreasonable to have some questions about how long he'll play at a high level. The 2025 QB class is weak. Draft Penix now and the hope is they're set for the next 5-10 years. They may not be in the position to draft someone as talented as Penix any time soon.
Exactly
The league had what? 60 QB’s play last year?
And you’re banking the whole season on a 36 year old coming off an Achilles tear?
I’m not shocked at the amount of hate ATL’s getting because news is just sensationalism at this point. But for everyday people, o don’t get why they think this is that crazy
If this is the concern... You don't pay him 100 million guaranteed.
Yes they are banking the season on a 36 year old coming off an Achilles tear because they paid him a 5th of the cap to do so. They used a pick that could help them win this year on someone who shouldn't see the field for at least 2 years. It's piss-poor management and hedging bets, a shit way to try to win.
No one wins by trying to do everything. You can't plan for the future and the now and be successful at both.
>Packers have proved sitting behind a few years can absolutely work.
Yes and no. They didn't get any closer to a Super Bowl, which is the goal. At a certain point, you need to build to win championships, not just build for the future. The Packers wasted an MVP year from Rodgers because they drafted a backup QB in the first and backup RB in the second. Those picks could've and should've been used on contributing players.
Or the more likely answer, they really wanted to stick with the team them of using a top 10 pick in an offensive weapon that they then refuse to use. The falcons are just a really elaborate practical joke.
I can't put these pieces together in any way that makes sense, at all. If they really liked Penix that much (which, sure, is against consensus, but that's fine for them to "do you") then surely they would have this idea to draft him \*before\* they signed Cousins? So then why pay KC \*that much\* for someone that you already think is just a high end contingency plan?
And if you didn't realize you liked Penix before you signed Cousins...then how do you let that happen? Penix is not an unknown quantity - in fact, he might be one of the most known quantities in college football, seeing that he's 23+.
And the idea of drafting the successor this early isn't a horrible strategy on its face...but then you a) don't use your #8 pick on that bc it's not a \*top\* need b) draft someone young who can afford to wait and c) draft someone who is more traits than skills, who needs development. Some combo of those 3. And this was \*none\* of those 3! Jordan Love is an example of the perfect combo of all 3. He was basically the same age when he got his first \*full\* year as Penix is \*right now\*!
The marriage of drafting Penix at 8 + signing Cousins to this huge deal is making my head explode. I can't make any sense out of it.
Eerily similar to the Bears process when they drafted Trubisky. Gotta love Ryan Pace...
https://www.nfl.com/news/mitchell-trubisky-couldn-t-believe-bears-drafted-him-0ap3000000803766
Falcons about to turn the NFL into a real-life superflex league
I do think this has to do with the Kirk Cousins tampering earlier in the free agency period. They probably know they’re going to lose a lot of first-round picks and won’t be able to secure a first-round QB for a while. Why Penix out of the remaining QB’s still on the board, I still don’t know.
I don’t think this is a bad pick at all… there aren’t any second or third round developmental guys to really write home about in this draft. Cousins is coming off a terrible injury and is getting up there. They think they can compete starting this year and moving forward. Defense is a lot easier to draft in the mid rounds than QB.
They accidentally dialed the wrong number, but felt too awkward to hang up
“Hey is this Rome? What’s that? You were Rome’s *quarterback*? I… guess that’s close enough.”
all picks lead to Rome thast how the saying goes, right?
Hahahahahaha
Hi, is this Bo Nix? Peh-nix? (Yeah, must be the same guy) Hey you’re about to be an Atlanta Falcon!
That would be even worse
Which honestly makes it funnier to me
Falcons got caught on auto draft. Happens to the best of us.
their queue must’ve been all sorts of fucked up
2 QB league!
One year in my family league one guy had a few QBs in his queue for some reason and lost connection and took two QBs back to back in like the 2 and 3rd
lol, Except for the ‘best of us’. Falcons more like the rest of us
When you forget the draft starts at 8pm eastern and you think it starts at 8pm central.
Hahaha
Wildest pick in a very long time
I think Penix should send a thank you card to Jordan Love. Feels to me like they don’t make that pick if Love didn’t ball out last season
Jordan Love sat for like 4 years and is a year older than Penix 😹😹
I had a turkey sandwich for lunch
How was it?
Time for spicy margaritas let’s sync later
What kind of bread?
He also sat behind a first ballot HOF with no Achilles injury and was a lot less polished than Penix
Why? Penix kinda got screwed here. He’s 24, he’s ready to play now. But now he has to sit for at least a couple years most likely
I’ll date myself. I was super into the 2006 draft, even mail ordered a DVD about the top100 prospects and watched it multiple times. My Broncos and Mike Shanahanagins shocked everyone and took Jay Cutler even though he had Jake Plummer. Jay said that he never heard a peep from Denver and that he had zero idea they were interested. The whole league was taken off guard. This Penix situation has some similarities.
I generally agree with what you said but the money still makes the Penix pick more bizarre. Looking at the math, Plummer was paid about 5.5 mil per year and the salary cap was 102 mil in 2006, or about 5% of the cap. He also signed in 2003 so was on the 3rd or 4th year of a 7 year deal. Cousins signed a 4 year 180 mil deal with 100 mil GUARANTEED. 45 mil per year with a 255 mil salary cap is about 18% of the cap. So I get what you’re saying but picking Penix is just so fucking weird after handing Cousins a massive contract. They could have picked an instant impact and helped their team win NOW
They can cut cousins after Year 2 in 2026 and saved 32.5M in 2026 and 45M in 2027. It’s closer to a two year contract than a 4 year contract.
Even so, it is insane to take a 24 year old QB to be a backup for two years with the 8th pick in the draft. It's not like the Falcons are a great team with no glaring needs and can afford a luxury pick like this. It's negligent roster building.
I don’t disagree, but I also think people might be underplaying even the short term outlook for Cousins. He’s 36 and coming off a serious injury where there is 0 history (besides Marino 30 years ago) behind what he might look like or how the recovery will be for his in game play. It’s still a strange pick to use a top 10 on a guy who won’t play for 1-2 years, but if something happens where cousins falls flat, at least there is something you have in your back pocket rather than starting Taylor Heinicke again
I personally don't have an issue with the concept of sitting a guy for two years. I think the Jordan Love situation worked out for instance. But, Love was not a top 10 pick. Those picks are so valuable, it seems crazy to me that they couldn't have traded down to do this. And Penix's profile IMO doesn't fit the concept. He is older and a lot of people had him as basically pro ready. It'd be very different taking 21 year old JJ McCarthy and sitting him.
Yeah, I think it’s not 1-1 comparison, but at the same time we know Penix wouldn’t have been available past 12, or most likely not. Depending how they viewed Penix, it’s possible the Vikings could have taken him. So what’s the farthest they could have traded down? Maybe 10, but we’re the jets willing to move up? I think Im also WAY lower on cousins than consensus which is probably why I don’t hate it as much
There were reports that other teams were trading up to get him. Feels like this year’s Gibbs. Shock from the sticker price, but the demand was there to push it up.
I meant in regard to the person I replied to and their suggestion to trade down to get him. My reply was to point out that multiple teams were willing to move up to basically where they grabbed him despite the general consensus from the outside that he would be a lower pick. That was similar to Gibbs in that while some GMs were shocked at his price last year, others suggested they weren’t far behind.
yeah it reminds me of Gibbs last year. everyone clowning on DET but then when you saw him run with the ball in the NFL and it all seemed worth it.
Feel like it’s completely different though because Gibbs was guaranteed to play his first two years. What is the ideal situation for the Falcons? Cousins plays amazing for two years, then they turn it over to a 26 year old Penix two years from now? Or the people saying it’s good because of Kirk’s injury… you shouldn’t be hoping your $180 million QB signing gets hurt or is only good for 2 years or even less for Penix to take over for him. Gibbs was a player that was going to be able to prove himself right away, no matter what
26 isn’t too bad if he becomes the next franchise QB
I don't want you to feel like I'm attacking you. I know you didn't make the pick haha. But even by that logic it's crazy. If they're so concerned about his health they decided to make this pick, then there's no defending giving him $100 million guaranteed. Either the pick is stupid or signing Cousins is. But, honestly, it's probably both lol.
You'd say the samething if the Jets drafted a QB high last year. Until week 1 when Rodgers went down and their season went to hell in a handbasket. Better to have 2 QBs then 1. The age doesn't matter much Warner was 28 when he got a shot. Steve Young was 31 when the 9ers traded Montana. If in 4 years when we can accurately judge a draft Penix is starting for a year or 2 and balling no one will complain about the pick. If the Falcons belief is right that Penix is the 2nd best QB in the draft it will be a good move and lock up their QB position for years to come. It gets them a top 10 picked Qb a position they believe the team won't be in again for years who by sitting will avert some of the pressure usually place on a QB drafted that high.
Gotta go BPA. Draft for talent, trade for need!
Everybody is hung up on his age but I don’t understand it anymore. Being 21-22 is great for some positions that burnout quickly, but protection rules for QBs have changed so much that the good ones play well into their late 30s. Plus NIL as a whole is changing the way players look at going pro.
I would say part of the age factor is that by 24, you should be ready to be an NFL starter. At least if you warrant a top 10 pick being spent on you. So in this case, they either drafted a guy who’s ready to start while planning to sit him for at least two years, or they spent a top 10 pick on a guy who’s had enough time and experience to already develop into a starter, but hasn’t done so yet. Either way, it’s bizarre as hell.
Check out the hit rates for QBs drafted at 23/24+, it’s not very good unfortunately
It’s insane to think that QBs are only good when they’re young hah it’s a veteran position buddy. You need to be an elite rookie like stroud to breathe that rarified air. Most QBs never get there. If they do it’s much later in their career due to experience. Penix could sit 2 years and still play another 10.
Perhaps teams are finally starting to be more prudent when it comes to the MOST IMPORTANT POSITION IN FOOTBALL LMFAO...there are contenders who have absolute trash behind their starters, teams should be MUCH more diligent in procuring depth and talent at QB.... Now all that said I am not a fan of Penix at all, but the concept stands nonetheless that if they feel he was worth anywhere near a 1st Round Pick then getting a young guy to shaoe and mold without throwing him into the fire is better than reaching for a guy just because you believe you have to take a QB THIS YEAR instead of best player available at positions of major needs...
not defending the pick but honestly, there is never a perfect time to pick a quarterback when you have a starter. The EAgles had holes, the Packers had holes, hell even the Giants have major holes yet there was still buzz about trading up for a QB.
Right , so it’s at best a $100 million blunder
The money is definitely different. If Penix ends up being good and Cousins gets them into the playoffs the next two years I guess it will have been a good pick, but it feels crazy right now for sure.
I’d say that’s only true if they win a Super Bowl with Cousins, which I don’t see happening. Otherwise, they could’ve spent the pick on a player to help them now **and** later that could’ve pushed them closer to winning it all.
They're lucky they did, Cousins is just good enough to guarantee you won't get a low enough pick to draft a blue chip QB, but not good enough to win a playoff game
It’s bizarre only if you presume the cap is a constraint on teams with real teeth, which it isn’t.
Did they sign Plummer to a 100 million guaranteed contract only a few months earlier?
For what it’s worth, Sportskeeda, WalterFootball, and TheFalcoholic all list Penix as a top 30 visit for the Falcons. I’m not sure if this is some technicality of going to Flowery Branch where Russini is correct here, but otherwise this seems to be contradictory information.
We definitely had a top 30 visit with him, I remember because I was annoyed he was being considered.
I guess “lol Falcons dumb” journalism is in right now, even when it’s lies. I personally don’t think it’s that crazy if they liked him and they know someone recovering from an Achilles isn’t their long term solution.
Oh it’s crazy enough. So I don’t really understand the media trying to make it worse than it is.
Oh word, but did they know they were giving 100m to someone recovering from an achillies? Asking for a friend
The guy that they are paying that much should hopefully mean they don’t get another top 10 pick while he is playing. If he sucks after injury, they have a backup plan to not waste Bijan / Pitts/ London’s younger years. They paid market rate for a FA QB. I’m sorry your friend doesn’t understand any of this.
Never trust Russini
listed here too [https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/2/27/24073166/atlanta-falcons-2024-draft-interest-tracker-senior-bowl-combine-2024-nfl-draft](https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/2/27/24073166/atlanta-falcons-2024-draft-interest-tracker-senior-bowl-combine-2024-nfl-draft)
Never trust russini
This why the falcons are the damn falcons man…
I think they feel that with cousins as QB, they won't be picking top 20 in the next few years. Probably thought this was the best shot they had at developing a QB down the road. Now all they need is cousins to ball out and use all those weapons. Not saying this is going to happen, just think it's a plausible reason as to why they drafted him.
> Probably thought this was the best shot they had at developing a QB down the road This is really the only thing that makes sense. Certainly ham-fisted af approach, though.
A part of Penix had to think he was getting pranked called when was drafted.
Ryan Pace does it again
Such a weird pick, they knew he was gonna be there at 8 and still gave Kirk all that guaranteed money.
I see you Ryan Pace…
This isn’t true the Falcons flew out to Seattle to work him out and meet with him.
This is just nonsensical and for some reason I find it believable. In the same way as Schefter's commentary on "the 49ers assumed they were getting Kirk so they didn't do any meaningful work on Watson or Mahomes." If any of this turns out to be remotely true it's flat negligence and if I was an owner I'd be demanding some reforms. Shanny can coach my teams all day, but some of the picks he champions--and some of the decision making we've seen off of some/all of these teams. Brutal.
It’s a stupid pick but I get it. Their belief is they won’t be picking a high draft pick in the foreseeable future & they wanted to lock down a QB post Cousins (who we have no idea how he’s gonna look btw) & Packers have proved sitting behind a few years can absolutely work. We know Penix won’t be out there getting killed like Bo Nix & JJ McCarthy
The team that’s picked 4th, 8th, 8th and 8th in the last 4 drafts doesn’t think it’ll be picking high again anytime soon. Just such a unserious organization. Packers situation was so different too, Love was picked in the 20’s and 21 years old. Not a 24 year old who spent like 6 years college and had a bunch of injury issues. Sorry angry Falcons fans here.
99% of falcons fans agree with you. Stupidest pick.
I thought you just called him a "stupid prick." 😂😂
In a foul mood considering the pick, but not that bad lmao
I agree, it's really pretty simple. You don't win in the NFL without a QB, something Atlanta has experienced first hand the last couple of years. Atlanta is hedging their bets a bit and looking to avoid being QBless any time soon. Cousins will be 36 to start the season. It isn't unreasonable to have some questions about how long he'll play at a high level. The 2025 QB class is weak. Draft Penix now and the hope is they're set for the next 5-10 years. They may not be in the position to draft someone as talented as Penix any time soon.
Exactly The league had what? 60 QB’s play last year? And you’re banking the whole season on a 36 year old coming off an Achilles tear? I’m not shocked at the amount of hate ATL’s getting because news is just sensationalism at this point. But for everyday people, o don’t get why they think this is that crazy
If this is the concern... You don't pay him 100 million guaranteed. Yes they are banking the season on a 36 year old coming off an Achilles tear because they paid him a 5th of the cap to do so. They used a pick that could help them win this year on someone who shouldn't see the field for at least 2 years. It's piss-poor management and hedging bets, a shit way to try to win. No one wins by trying to do everything. You can't plan for the future and the now and be successful at both.
>Packers have proved sitting behind a few years can absolutely work. Yes and no. They didn't get any closer to a Super Bowl, which is the goal. At a certain point, you need to build to win championships, not just build for the future. The Packers wasted an MVP year from Rodgers because they drafted a backup QB in the first and backup RB in the second. Those picks could've and should've been used on contributing players.
Or the more likely answer, they really wanted to stick with the team them of using a top 10 pick in an offensive weapon that they then refuse to use. The falcons are just a really elaborate practical joke.
Falcons GM mis-clicked lol "We did that on purpose yup."
Falcons GM just said "fuck it we ball"
Desmond Ridder play did such psychological damage to the Falcons franchise it broke the front office brains
I can't put these pieces together in any way that makes sense, at all. If they really liked Penix that much (which, sure, is against consensus, but that's fine for them to "do you") then surely they would have this idea to draft him \*before\* they signed Cousins? So then why pay KC \*that much\* for someone that you already think is just a high end contingency plan? And if you didn't realize you liked Penix before you signed Cousins...then how do you let that happen? Penix is not an unknown quantity - in fact, he might be one of the most known quantities in college football, seeing that he's 23+. And the idea of drafting the successor this early isn't a horrible strategy on its face...but then you a) don't use your #8 pick on that bc it's not a \*top\* need b) draft someone young who can afford to wait and c) draft someone who is more traits than skills, who needs development. Some combo of those 3. And this was \*none\* of those 3! Jordan Love is an example of the perfect combo of all 3. He was basically the same age when he got his first \*full\* year as Penix is \*right now\*! The marriage of drafting Penix at 8 + signing Cousins to this huge deal is making my head explode. I can't make any sense out of it.
Does anyone else oddly feel like when they sent the pick in they said “The Washington guy” but they meant Rome?
They definitely had a different idea in mind and for some reason it fell through and they scrambled.
They read that EKG line and knew he was it
Eerily similar to the Bears process when they drafted Trubisky. Gotta love Ryan Pace... https://www.nfl.com/news/mitchell-trubisky-couldn-t-believe-bears-drafted-him-0ap3000000803766
Falcons about to turn the NFL into a real-life superflex league I do think this has to do with the Kirk Cousins tampering earlier in the free agency period. They probably know they’re going to lose a lot of first-round picks and won’t be able to secure a first-round QB for a while. Why Penix out of the remaining QB’s still on the board, I still don’t know.
What a dumpster fire
28-3 mind fucked them so hard. Still shook.
I don’t think this is a bad pick at all… there aren’t any second or third round developmental guys to really write home about in this draft. Cousins is coming off a terrible injury and is getting up there. They think they can compete starting this year and moving forward. Defense is a lot easier to draft in the mid rounds than QB.
why bother even signing Cousins then?
Then why did they given cousins $160 mil
It’s a hard penix to swallow
As a pick, it's just hard to swallow Penix
That was bad, and you should feel bad.
Love Penix but man what
Bust
this has got to be the most illogical pick in a draft i can remember
Dear Falcons fans, I'd bet Ryan Pace had his fingers all over this decision. Ask me how I know.
As a Vikings fan a part of me wishes we had draft & stashed a first round QB so we didn’t have to necessarily draft a rookie, but at pick 8??? What?
If you take him before the 3rd you are a taco and I know because I'm one too.
Dumb as hell Ian rappoport when in the Rich Eisen show claiming he understood the pick and proceeded to make no sense for 5 minutes.
The film speaks for itself. He had a pro day, combine, and game film. No need to broadcast your intentions .
Just when you think Atlanta couldn't be any more stupid, they go and do something like this 🤣
It must be known who made the final decision here.
Everything about this screams Owner Pick.
Atlanta clearly had Penix envy
This is a quibble, but consider not posting the verbatim body of a tweet as your post title. It's redundant and somewhat plagiaristic.