The Rundown (Top 10 Picks):
After a rather quiet and predictable draft process, we witnessed what turned out to be arguably the most shocking draft night in recent memory. The first six draft picks pretty much went according to expectations. We saw the big three quarterbacks, top two wide receivers, and the consensus number one tackle off the board immediately. Pick seven is where the steam began to pick up a bit. Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham was selected seventh overall by the Tennessee Titans much to the surprise of the draft community. While I personally like the pick simply because I believe in Latham’s ability, it was still a bit surprising.
The eighth overall pick is where the football world was sent into a frenzy. The Atlanta Falcons drafted Washington QB Michael Penix Jr — a move that was not on anyone’s bingo card. I’d like to preface this by saying I truly like Penix as a prospect. He’s a gifted passer with raw playmaking ability and nerves of steel. He’s also a guy that’s been through the fire metaphorically as he’s recovered from four separate season-ending injuries in his college career. The guy has been through double knee surgery, for Christ’s sake.
Despite that, he then transferred and became a college football legend at Washington leading them to a national title appearance & a PAC12 Championship. He finished second to number two overall pick Jayden Daniels in Heisman Trophy voting as well. Most importantly he played two healthy seasons back to back. Penix and his family deserved the moment and the pay day they received last night. None of this is his fault. He can’t draft himself!
That said, in my humble opinion, it’s the most befuddling draft pick of my time covering football. We are a little over a month removed from the Falcons giving a soon to be 36 year old Kirk Cousins a 4 year 180 million contract with 100 million guaranteed. Oh, Cousins also has a no trade clause and will make over 60 million guaranteed in the first year of the deal alone! 45 million on average, if he plays out the contract.
This is all before we get to the fact that he’s coming off an Achilles tear and reconstructive surgery. Furthermore, there’s rumors floating around the league that Cousins was not notified about the pick prior. That’s one hell of a way to welcome your rookie quarterback in and one sure fire way to piss your new veteran quarterback off. I’m just not sure what the plan is here? Hope Cousins plays out his deal then start Penix as a 28 year old? Godspeed.
We didn’t have another big surprise for a few picks after that. WR Rome Odunze was selected by the Chicago Bears to be paired with Caleb Williams. Vikings GM Kewsi Adofo-Menash made his first trade up of the night to draft Michigan QB JJ McCarthy at the 10 spot. Neither of those picks were surprising, but it led to another major milestone. Last night was the first time a defensive player was not taken in the top ten picks. Truly a landmark day in the sport’s history in my opinion. After an eventful day one, I cant wait to see what the rest of the weekend brings.
Favorite Day One Picks:
DT Byron Murphy II to the Seahawks
OL Troy Fautanu to the Steelers
CB Quinyon Mitchell to the Eagles
DB Terrion Arnold to the Lions
OL Graham Barton to the Buccaneers
Head Scratcher Picks:
QB Michael Penix Jr to the Falcons
TE Brock Bowers to the Raiders
QB Bo Nix to the Broncos
Chop Robinson to the Dolphins
Xavier Legette to the Panthers