Following the most shocking move of the 2024 NFL Draft’s first round, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is taking up the torch for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons surprised by taking former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the first round, despite recently signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a mega-deal. According to Orlosvky at least, the pickup and the timing of it make sense.
“When the draft happened last night, I was unbelievably perplexed by this pick,” Orlovsky said on Get Up. “And then I went to bed and I thought about it a little more. I had some insights shared. Now, not only do I love the pick. I totally understand it.”
“Atlanta’s perspective, No. 1, they had Michael Penix as the second-best quarterback in this draft behind Jayden Daniels,” he continued. “No. 2, they expect to be very good with Kirk Cousins for the next two years. They realize how expensive it is to get up in the draft when you’re in the backhalf and to go get a quarterback. They realize it will be too expensive eventually.”
Falcons focused on future with Penix pick
The Atlanta Falcons front office had a lot of explaining to do during their post-selection press conference on Thursday night. However, the decision ultimately came down to the team’s focus on what comes next. According to Orlovsky, there were people in the Falcons building who just couldn’t pass on Penix after seeing him workout privately in the past few weeks.
“The Falcons went and worked him out, on a day where it was 50 degrees and windy outside,” Orlovsky shared. “Leaving that workout, they said it was like watching him throw inside. A couple of people there have attachments to Matthew Stafford and they said it was the closest they’ve seen anyone throw the football like Matthew Stafford.
“You don’t take a quarterback in the top 10 unless your owner is on board with it and wants it. I completely understand the thought process by Atlanta now. In two years, there’s no development needed, they hit the ground running with whichever quarterback will be starting in 2026.”
Dan Orlovksy seems to understand the Falcons’ decision-making, but Kirk Cousins may not. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Cousins was “stunned” to see the Falcons take Penix at No. 8 overall.
“The Falcons called Kirk Cousins when they were on the clock to let him know,” Russini wrote on X. “From what I learned, Cousins understood a QB would be considered but he did not believe his successor would be taken in the first round. I’m told he’s a bit stunned.”
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