There are a batch of NFL teams bereft of stability at the quarterback position and it’s just the right draft to fill those holes.
The 2024 NFL draft class has a handful of exciting signal-callers expected to make impacts on whichever teams select them.
Michael Penix Jr. garnered some added buzz following his Saturday workout. He raised eyebrows with his measurements alone, registering a top-10 hand size in the history of the combine at 10.5 inches while standing at 6-foot-2.
The Heisman Trophy runner-up put those tools to good use on the field, throwing accurate, tight spirals on deep balls over 55 yards.
Penix has been widely projected to drop to the second round. All things considered with his combine display, he could be a Lamar Jackson-like steal in this class.
He was the most consistent quarterback present with the projected top three at the position in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels all opting to skip the combine.
J.J. McCarthy is the consensus No. 4 to hear his name called on April 25 with Bo Nix also in the mix. Add in the uncertainty of whether the Bears decide to trade Justin Fields and keep the No. 1 overall pick or not and it makes Penix’s draft destination a pretty tough betting market.
There is still a sweet spot we can expect Penix to fall in even with these variables remaining in the air. Assuming Chicago does draft Williams, we know that Washington and New England are almost a lock to take the next two quarterbacks on the board.
The next team to consider a quarterback won’t be until Denver at pick No. 12, or potentially Minnesota right before it.
Russell Wilson trade rumors continue swirling about and both Kirk Cousins and Josh Dobbs are currently not under contract, so McCarthy and even Nix have potential to find homes here.
So who’s left to take the University of Washington product hot off a run to the College Football Playoff National Championship game?
Seattle is the +400 favorite to select Penix Jr. Mike McDonald will be looking to build a future as the new head coach in town with Geno Smith’s days as a starter in this league waning. McDonald hired Penix’s former offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, so remaining in-state could be in play.
My skepticism with the Seahawks taking him is that they don’t have a second-round pick. Seattle has its first-round selection at No. 16 overall, which is likely to be used on addressing the offensive line.
It’s a good fit, but there’s too many “if’s” involved here.
Atlanta would serve a compatible situation for the tight pocket passer, but with the right offensive pieces already installed, it might not be in its best interests to plug a rookie in. If Fields does get moved, the Falcons are a suitable buyer, which would make drafting a quarterback superfluous.
I don’t expect the draft board to remain as is, but the Raiders are in a comfortable position to grab Penix with the 12th pick of the second round, yet also have the draft stock to move up the board to grab him earlier.
Penix proved enough at the combine for a trade-up and Las Vegas is in dire need to find someone new. Jimmy Garoppolo’s career hit low battery last season and Aidan O’Connell is no long-term solution.
McCarthy will probably be taken by the time the Raiders choose with the No. 13 overall pick, so addressing their bevy of other needs there would be wise, making him a priority thereafter.
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With the Raiders’ rebuild ongoing, drafting a quarterback makes sense — especially with Antonio Pierce looking to create a sustainable future as the new head coach. Besides, Penix’s deep ball would bring a ton of upside, with Davante Adams catching it in the meantime.
FanDuel has the Raiders priced at +550 to draft Penix. As it stands, their draft position and potential to make a move for him earlier make them the safest bet as a landing spot.
PICK: Michael Penix Jr. to be drafted by the Raiders (+550, FanDuel)
Sean Treppedi analyzes the NFL for Action Network.