All through the predraft course of, there’s been a common consensus that the highest tier of quarterback prospects consists of USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Whereas Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has not too long ago climbed up the draft boards, it appears like a fifth signal-caller has drawn elevated consideration of NFL evaluators.
Albert Breer of TheMMQB not too long ago handed alongside that some NFL coaches have Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. listed above a few of “the presumed high guys.” In actual fact, one nameless NFL offensive coach declared Penix as his “No. 2 man” on the place.
“I like Penix,” the coach informed Breer. “He’s a stud, a born chief, calm and picked up and in a real means. He’s a baller. He turns it unfastened, can throw it into tight home windows. He stands within the pocket, lets performs develop, takes hits, throws it down the sphere. He’s only a winner.”
As Breer particulars, there are a handful of explanation why Penix has began to climb up the draft boards. Primarily, Penix’s rise may very well be attributed to coaches being inserted into the draft dialog. Scouts weren’t as excessive on the Washington prospect, criticizing the participant’s “sometimes-scattershot accuracy beneath.” Coaches, nonetheless, have been extra targeted on Penix’s expertise, together with deep-ball accuracy that Breer describes as “off the charts.”
Penix additionally helped his draft inventory with a robust professional day. His 4.5-second 40-yard sprint time definitely warranted consideration, with the sudden velocity being a pleasant revelation apart from Penix’s lauded arm power. In conferences with groups, the QB has come off “as humble, assured and introspective,” per Breer, solely enhancing coaches’ confidence within the prospect.
The quarterback’s well being updates have additionally helped. Regardless of struggling 4 season-ending accidents throughout his time in faculty, Penix’s “medical evaluations did get a thumbs up,” per Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. Groups will certainly nonetheless be cautious of Penix and his well being, however they now is likely to be a bit extra snug with enhancing his spot on the draft board.
