The Falcons had one of the most interesting drafts I have ever seen. The Falcons took Michael Pennix Jr at number 8 after agreeing to a long-term deal with Kirk Cousins this offseason. I like this pick because I think that Pennix will be really good he showed at Washington that he can throw the football leading his team to the National Championship game.
Pennix is extremely accurate and I don’t see any reason his style of play won’t transfer over to the NFL, while the Falcons could have moved down there was no guarantee that Pennix would have been available as J.J. McCarthy was drafted at 10 two picks after Pennix.
Another thing to keep in mind with the Falcons taking a quarterback is that while Cousins is their quarterback now there is no guarantee Cousins stays healthy or that he will play at a high level throughout his time in Atlanta. The Falcons drafting Pennix prepares them for the present and the future this is a team that has had talent on the offensive side of the ball the past few years but hasn’t had a quarterback which has been one of the key factors they have missed the playoffs, with Pennix they have two legit starters and a long term plan.
The rest of the draft was really good for the Falcons they added luxury items by adding Ruke Orhorhoro in the second round and Bralen Trice in the third round providing depth at the defensive line to add to an overall pretty good defense in Atlanta. The only thing that I think the Falcons could have done better is add some offensive linemen while the Falcons line isn’t atrocious it certainly isn’t one of the Falcon's strengths.
Grade: B