Thoughts on selection of QB Michael Penix Jr. | Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network 

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT KIRK'S INJURY DO NOT PAY HIM 100 MILLION DOLLARS

I'm not mad at this pick at all. Surprised but not upset

We picked a tight end at the 4th spot a couple years ago & don’t even throw him the ball so idk why I’m even surprised at this pick 😂

Great move. I predicted it. Ignorant fans misunderstanding it are whining like babies. If you listened to Fontenot/Morris the last month, it was fairly obvious. Falcon’s management finally seems to know what they’re doing. Good times ahead.

Falcons fans don't worry. We just went through 4-5 years of terrible QB play. We now have solidified the most important position in sports for the next 10 years 🔒

I like how people are acting like Penix is a durable guy. 😂

When Cousins goes down early in the season the fans will love this pick.

No way Penix is sitting for two seasons. Not going happen. If Falcons are struggling, don't be surprised if Penix is put in the line up around week 9 or 10. Cousins hates real competition in the QB room. This is coming from a Viking fan. I think the GM was smart selecting a QB in the first round.

Even Thomas Dimitroff mentioned on the franchise guy mock draft that he would secure the long term qb position this year due to the qb class available this year and the fact that we are picking early

If you draft Penix the Saints a few picks later cant get him. Tampa his hometown team cant get him. Neutralizing threats in your own division. Genius!

I'm a lifelong Falcons fan, since Steve Bartkowski was drafted, and I was stunned at Penix being picked. After waking up this morning and thinking about it, I get it. IF Cousins goes down, I'd rather have Penix there instead of Heinecke. I understand the succession pick for the future of our franchise. We didn't have this opportunity after Matt Ryan, it was a dysfunctional merry-go-round of QBs until now, we needed this succession plan. Not everyone likes it but, I get it. I've watched tape on Penix, this young man is going to be a beast for us and I bet he won't be a "bench warmer" for long. The Penix pick makes sense now instead of waiting on future drafts because this type of QB may not be available if we had waited a couple years down the road.

I honestly love the pick. I feel like this is what they should’ve done with Justin Fields a few years ago, sit him behind a proven vet and let him learn. Now we focus on building the defense.

The packers drafting love and the chiefs drafting Mahomes was luxury picks. Them two teams were still successful before they picked them guys. The falcons don’t have that luxury. We haven’t done nothing to just waste a first like we did.

_Side note: Tori can get it tho_ 🗣💯

Cough what happened to the best player available plan that they have been trumpeting?

Yall are really trying to justify this pick and it’s hard to watch. Be honest with the fans and the franchise, this pick was too soon, too high, overall useless for 2 years when they claim they are in a “win now” mentality. The only way to clean this up is to trade our now QB3 for another pick and pray a good pass rusher emerges.

The mental gymnastics, y’all are doing to try to make this pic sound good is ridiculous

Passing on the best defensive player in the draft 2 years in a row.

This has to do with the tampering that they did!! They are losing the #1 pick next year so no qb taken

I think if anyone looks at the depth of talent in this year's draft. You'd know and understand why they chose a talent like Penix at 8. There's good CBs, DLs, EDGs, and WR left. There's even guys on the edge that has real potential of being double digit sacks players. Hell, I believe if we start AK, giving him majority of the reps. He could probably get the doubles. That's what we drafted him to be. Arthur and company was just overdoing it with personal changes every other play. I believe Penix can actually be as efficient (in his own way) as all the othe QBs that was drafted before him. If Kirk performs as expected. We're not drafting in the top 10 anytime soon. And they'll be teams beneath us clamoring for a QB. Kirk is going to be here for at least 2 years. If he something goes wrong. We'd have a successor.

Look, plan A and B are just made together instead of a now A and later B a few years from now. Quality QBs for now and the future get to grow together and instead of have a young QB thrown in to the mix to try and go playoff bound in his first year. Also, Falcons win now mode can get you into the late first round of draft like the championship KC. So, no picking a top QB in next times draft, so get him now. Both QBs check ALL the boxes all at once! Was it a surprise, yes! Was it a smart, bold move? Yes!

This was a genius pick Kurt now to win some games and put fans back in the stands. Penix is a plus for the. Future and now if Kurt gets hurt you have a top ten draft pick to come in and fill seats also.

Shedeur Sanders will be available next year. He has ALL the confidence we need. This was a waste of a pick. We messed up with Lamar Jackson, and this is the redemption?

I get it's a pick for the future. But I don't think we're winning the Super Bowl with the roster now. Defense has holes and still does. D line is old, no dominant edge, and missing a corner. Why draft something that isn't gonna help anytime soon.

Thanks to all three of you for really going into an in-depth discussion of this pick and explaining how he fits into the bigger picture of the Falcons' future plans. I wasn't expecting this pick at #8, but I did know we had brought Penix in for a workout recently and I didn't believe they would go to that length ~ and put Penix out for that workout ~ just as a smoke screen and not because they were seriously looking to take him with their first pick. I know most of the fan base is in Full Meltdown this morning, but once they truly understand this was the Falcons likely LAST OPPORTUNITY to draft a franchise-level QB at the top of the draft for maybe five years or even longer maybe they will be okay with it. This was a smart move, a solid move, and I fully support the decision Rah and TF made with this pick.

MPJ is a winner. He will win a lot of games in a Falcons jersey. And he will prove the naysayers and doubters wrong. He'll end up being a grand slam pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. I personally believe he was the best QB in the nation the last 2 years for Washington. I believe Caleb Williams will be a massive bust. So will Jayden McDaniels. Drake Maye will be good. But MPJ will be the best QB out if this draft. Check me in 5 years if I'm wrong.

Thanks

This GM and coach duo knows what they are doing! Two bright minds, articulate and leader of men. We have Kirk and he is also, 36 (soon), had a non-contact Achilles injury last year and we have to have a plan. We did not have a plan after Matty Ice left, so this was the right move. Lets go baby! Bright minds baby.

EVERYONE IS LAUGHING I AT USSSSSS

I too had Penix plus I had us taking Orhorhoro. Just had them in the 2nd and 3rd respectively. In fact when they announced the trade up I had Orhorhoro's draft profile pulled up as a possible 43 pick.

I love it

We have seen this model work before. Let’s stop being short minded folks! Our future is set at QB!

Brilliant move by the Falcons !

7:31 _Mariota & Ridder didn't work out because of Arthur Smith._

I said it was the best pick. It's one of those old school moves where you've got a great back up playing your second team. Hes gonna be a great pro and part of a great Falcons future. The Falcons are gonna be one of the best teams in the NFL for many years

Lol learn for a few years? Bruh is older by the time his rookie contract is done he'll be nearly 30. 😬😬

Smart pick. How can nobody see it? We have had terrible qb play for years and it’s been so frustrating. We secured the future. I like the pick and the vision.

Who's Frustrated only none Falcons fans True Falcons fans are happy especially me think you falcons

Kirko had himself a tantrum. Penix might take some of kirkos big cake.

The Atlanta falcons made a good decision Kirk cousins of making over a million they really did not have to tell him anything

You guys blowing smoke

The owner wanted Kirk Cousins for stability even for a high price, that's why they gave him the deal. Michael Penix is who the coaches wanted. First QB since Mahomes to throw more than 4500+ yards in consecutive years. He even threw for 4000+ yards in an injury year at Indiana., came back after four injuries to lead to playoff finals.

People reacting like we dont have 3 more picks tomorrow lol. Lots of DL talent on the board. Yes Kirk was paid alot but he was paid to push us beyond the 7-10 team theyve been. What happens when kirk puts us in the playoffs for 2-3 years (assuming he does what everyone expects) and now we have an old qb with a low 1st round pick. Penix gets to sit, heal and learn behind a above average pocket passer for a couple years and then step in after being groomed at the nfl level. Yall need to stop over reacting cuz we didnt follow Mel Wiper's big board

The problem is this team isn’t built to win now. Why are we acting like we have no holes?

I liked the pick. It's what everyone said when Greenbay drafted Aaron Rodgers...when the last time we had 2 good QB's. We have 3 more picks to pick defense players

Give them a chance guys. You will love this pick few years down the road…don’t forget we might not get an opportunity to draft Kirk’s replacement next 2 years especially if we are penalized next year. I was upset as well when we made the pick but thinking about it more I believe this is a smart move

As a UW fan, the only way MP doesn’t end up a Top 5 NFL QB is if he has a career ending injury. His arm talent is second to none.

My opinion the Atlanta falcons really really haven't had a good quarterback since Michael Vick so the decision they just made was a very

I’m with Derek on this

Penix is the best QB in the class, good get if it were not for all the money spent on Cousins, which could have been spend on other FAs.

I know it's not the most popular pick but I'm gonna try to see the positive in this pick

KIRK IS NOT GOING TO TEACH HIS REPLACEMENT

As a Viking fan, you have no idea how divisive your QB room is due to this pick. Kirk is not going to help his replacement.

I guess I shouldn’t expect unbiased analysis from a group of people who pretty much work for the Atlanta Falcons. The truth is Atlanta is paying a bridge QB 180 million dollars after they have hyped us up for months saying they brought Kirk here to try and win a championship, and instead of using that 8th over all pick to draft a immediate impact player they drafted Kirk’s replacement. Please make it make sense because I can’t!

People this pick makes sense. You have young guy coming in to sit and learn behind Kirk is that so hard to understand

Why yal on here hating we good die heart fan we lit 🔥🔥🔥🔥so save the small talk and stop hating we good

Compare the draft room celebration when they drafted Ridder to last night. Terrifying.

Although I am not EXCITED about the pick, I understand it. This is Morris/Fontenot putting their money where their mouth is. They say the team is ready and able to win NOW. They really believe Cousins can take them to the playoffs and beyond. Being a playoff team, they would be picking in the bottom half of the draft each year (the more you win, the further back you draft). VERY hard to get a franchise QB if you are picking that late in the draft.....costs too much to move up. If you think Penix is that guy, you get him while you are here and put him in your pocket. Kirk is a 3 year plan at BEST, and if he is balling out as they EXPECT him to, they won't be able to draft his replacement in 3 years, unless they go with a Ridder-esk 3rd round project and hope he can develop. WAIT....they tried that......they had the 8th pick due to their less than stellar win/loss record. I think they DO believe in Kirk, and thats why they grabbed Penix now.

Lmfao yall are talking about the number 8 pick sitting on the bench for 3 years and being traded. That’s how we want to justify this? So unserious

For so many years I've been disappointed with the draft picks but this is the first year that I've been ANGRY. I WAS excited to go to a game this year BUT after last night, I'm saving my money.

I like the pick personally

Just think Atlanta fans a couple of months ago it looked like the Falcons were going to have a pro bowl caliber quarter back and the greatest coach of all time. Now we are left with this and will have one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL again. Bad coach and bad team management leads to this.

Tori what are your thoughts on former SanDiego State qb Mayden??

Pennix already beat the #1 pick last year ! This isnt as bad as people think < Especially if kirk gets Hurt again !

Not worth much but Atlanta just acquired a million new fans.Will buy the NFL package hoping he gets in the games early. Washington loves this kid and he is a great kid and we know how luck you are to have him.

Wait till they find out there’s 3 more drafts until kirk contract is over lol, we didn’t need mpj

We'll win now and later, great pick

I like the pick

Arthur smith punching air rite now

Penix will be ok so give him time to assimilate into Falcons nation.We still need a deep threat wide receiver.Ridder never had good quarterback tutelage.

I like the pick of penix Don't get me wrong Penix is type of qb who should start right away

Remember Charles told you if they get Kirk Cousins the Falcons can double dip

This was Raheem Morris and Fontenot idea to revisit the Michael Vick era trying win over the Fan base for job security for the sake of "The culture " Raheem said as much when he was hired. Otherwise they still could have addressed the QB position later in the draft just not at 8th overall 🤷!

I think that after what we did to him n if he wants out, then we should do the right thing n trade him to where he wants to go n play the rookie good or bad . Terry u knew this could happen when u draft a qb 8 overall so do the right thing. If Kirk wants to play then play him 4 two yrs then we can release him n play the rookie

We need a new gm

Penix baby🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿‼️‼️

I'm sure Matt Ryan will be in his ear too. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but If this works, it'll really work. Penix with Bijan, Pitts and London.

I don't really like it, but he can learn from Kirk, and it can't hurt to have a QB with some wheels for some 3rd and short situations. Can open up a lot of different plays....

Is Scott Bair no longer with the falcons media?

They won't make the same mistake twice.... they'll make totally new ones.

Tori 's looking beautiful as usual btw😘

Terry should run the CIA, no leaks at all. Shocked the world 🎉, that was definitely successful.

Y can’t people realize that was just the first round, the draft come on tdy, it’s not the end of the world

Falcons are now officially broken and now absolutely need a complete rebuild from the owner to the press. A complete cleanse.

We are the laugh of the draft…😂😂

"They want to build confidence from the fans in what the team is doing" You certainly failed. I don't think this fanbase has been less confident and more angry than right now

I understand the succession plan but does it have to be in the first year when he has not thrown a single ball and when focus would have been to give him weapons now to go make a difference . That’s why we are surprised - what if those positions cause you to lose games this year.

Kirk Cousins need that push/pressure... If we make the playoffs, maybe he wont choke or Penix will be our next starting QB sooner🤷🏿‍♂️

Ya, why don’t you talk to the fan base that has supported you for over half a century and tell them how dumb they are for not knowing all the “ins and outs” of football while we’ve had to put up with a losing franchise forever! Make it make sense…

It’s 4500 yards not 4000 you exclusivity higher

QB shouldn’t be a issue for awhile it’s strange how comfortable we are with a Older QB off of a Achilles

The Falcons could have drafted a cat and this panel would defend it. Just spent your first round pick on a backup for a guy with injury issues that you just payed a truckload of money, with a guy with injury issues. I mean damn.

Not the worst decision they made this year

Exactly Rack looking at Odunze Michael is throwing him open on alot of their connections!

Stop thinking we are one defensive player away from greatness because we aren’t. Ask the 49ers and the eagles.

I mean y’all could be right and it could go good but y’all also need to say how it can go bad. Which it 100% can and in my opinion is more likely

Love this pick! Welcome to Atl, Penix!!!!

Paid Kirk $180 mill just to draft a guy top 8 to back him up 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Warren Moon!!!!

We absolutely stole headlines at the draft we’ll leave it at that