The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at Michael Penix Jr., a potential first-round quarterback who led Washington to an undefeated season.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Ranked as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Penix ended up in Indiana where he played in 20 games over three seasons. Injuries marred his tenure at Indiana and he transferred to Washington before his junior year. Penix starred at Washington, leading the Huskies to an undefeated season, as well as being a first-team All-American, winning the Maxwell Award, and finishing second in the Heisman race.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Name: Michael Penix Jr.
Jersey: No. 9
Position: Quarterback
School: University of Washington
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 225 lbs.
Michael Penix Jr.’s Strengths
What makes Penix a truly unique prospect is his accuracy. He has a rare ability to put balls in the hands of his receivers in a way that looks like the ball was placed in their hands. His anticipation of where guys will end up, his understanding of their leverage, and his consistency in this regard are second to none in this year’s draft. He genuinely understands how to run an offense and knows how to go through his progressions.
His decision-making tops the class and he trusts his wide receivers. This is a great skill to have; anticipatory throws to spots (as opposed to players) is how the NFL game is played. Yet, when you are not on the same page as your receivers, this also leads to interceptions. Penix has excellent arm strength and knows how to use it. He is perfectly capable of throwing a fastball, putting air under his throws, and demonstrating touch on short plays and screens. His receivers love catching passes from him, as he almost always seems to put the ball in the right spot and at the right velocity.
Michael Penix Jr.’s Weaknesses
I used to knock prospects who had all the time in the world to make throws. Having a great offensive line makes it almost impossible to tell how a quarterback with less time will be able to succeed in the NFL. Then, C.J. Stroud happened, so I am adapting and learning from my mistakes.
Penix, although he usually has plenty of time to make a throw or is passing short when he does have less time, makes good decisions. However, maximizing his time in the pocket occasionally proved to be detrimental. In the NFL, this will be an area that he needs to work on.
Penix also tends to let his footwork break down when pressure is in his face, throwing off his back leg a few too many times. He also winds up on some throws, which takes way too long and will not work in the NFL.
Finally, he never really showed enough ability to use his legs for that to be considered anything but a weakness. While his footwork lends to maneuverability, he struggled to consistently escape the pocket. This isn’t a required skill but rather one that will be useful to add to his repertoire.
Pro Comparison: Philip Rivers
While most analysts want to compare Penix to another left-handed quarterback, he doesn’t play like Michael Vick, Steve Young, or Tua Tagovailoa. Like Rivers, Penix is a pocket passer whose number one trait is accuracy. They also share very similar throwing mechanics and can put serious heat on the ball when needed. I see Penix developing into an above-average quarterback rather quickly and staying in that category his entire career. In the right offense, with a smart offensive coordinator and talented receivers, Penix has the potential, much like Rivers, to look as good as anyone at times.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
This draft class is stacked with first-round-caliber quarterback prospects. Currently, Penix is behind Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy. That being said, I am not sure any quarterback in this draft is as good of a decision-maker as Penix, and he may be the best at running an offense. Penix is built for today’s modern offense and knows exactly how to work within those confines. While he doesn’t possess the “wow” factor that Williams and Maye have or the running ability that Daniels has, Penix possesses the traits that make quarterbacks good in the NFL.
His ceiling is not as lofty as the top few quarterbacks, but he probably has the highest floor and is the most NFL-ready out of everyone. Sure, Caleb Williams may be the next Patrick Mahomes, but it took even Mahomes a year or two to reach MVP level. Penix, on the other hand, is more comparable to Rivers and could be ready to play at that level immediately.
Whoever drafts with Penix will be set at the quarterback position for the next decade, and I would not let him fall out of the top 10. His skill set is too perfect for today’s modern offensive structure for this pick to look bad.
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