The Atlanta Falcons made the shocking decision to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick on Thursday. Penix is a prospect the team obviously hopes will be become a future franchise quarterback, but given the contract status of Kirk Cousins, is unlikely to see the field for at least two seasons. With Day 2—which consists of the second and third rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft—on deck tonight, the stakes have never been higher for Atlanta to find instant contributors.
Still, this is a deep class with a lot of talent available heading into the second round.