Falcons made smart, difficult decision by drafting another star who is more than their current key man.

Michael Penix Jr. has joined the Atlanta Falcons as their latest addition. The Falcons opted to focus on their future rather than strengthening their defense, a decision that wasn’t widely supported by fans. However, it was a tough but ultimately correct choice. I firmly believe that selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was the right move.

Falcons made the smart, yet difficult decision by drafting Michael Penix Jr.

I commend the Atlanta Falcons, their front office, and coaching staff for making this difficult decision. Michael Penix Jr. is undeniably special. The Falcons made the right choice by selecting the Washington quarterback.

While Penix may not be ready to start in week one, he has the potential to become a top-five quarterback in the league. By choosing Penix, the Falcons have secured their future and added immediate backup behind Kirk Cousins.

Penix wasn’t the right fit for every team, especially those seeking an immediate week one starter, like JJ McCarthy. However, for the Falcons, Penix is a perfect match.

Consider this: Penix is primarily a pocket passer, much like Kirk Cousins and Matt Stafford (who worked with new OC Zac Robinson). He needs to improve his consistency over the middle, something Cousins can mentor him on.

Cousins will likely only be with the team for a few more years at most. Penix has the potential to be a top-five or even top-three quarterback, providing the Falcons with both a backup option and a future successor.

For those concerned about the defense, the Falcons still have three more top-100 picks. Remember the impactful mid-round defensive players Raheem Morris drafted with the Rams last year, like Kobie Turner and Byron Young? They weren’t first-round picks, yet they made significant contributions. The Falcons are still in a strong position.