Washington Commanders Hosting Michael Penix Jr. For Pre-Draft Visit

Michael Penix Jr. is visiting the Washington Commanders on the final day of pre-draft visits.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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The Washington Commanders are dotting their I's and crossing their T's when it comes to the quarterback position with their pre-draft visits.

Washington is set to host quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on Tuesday evening and Wednesday, according to Bleacher Report insider Jordan Schultz. Wednesday is the final day for pre-draft visits ahead of the NFL Draft on April 25.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Penix Jr. has been one of the nation's best quarterbacks in the last two seasons. In 2022, he threw for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions. Penix Jr. improved in 2023 en route to becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist, as he threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Penix Jr.'s play led the Washington Huskies go unbeaten until the National Championship game where they lost to the Michigan Wolverines 34-13.

Washington is also hosting Drake Maye and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels this week. Odds have continued to swing in Daniels' favor, as he is still the betting favorite with -250 odds on DraftKings and FanDuel.

With Penix Jr. being the final quarterback in the Commanders' building ahead of the NFL Draft, he'll have a chance to leave a strong final impression. If he impresses general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, that could shift the team's draft strategy and potentially give them more flexibility with Penix Jr. expected to be available into the late first or early second round.

Penix Jr.'s arm talent and ability to push the ball down the field will cause teams to fall in love with him. If Washington believes in Penix Jr. and thinks he can stay healthy after the first four years of his collegiate career were riddled with injuries, it'll completely shake up the draft and potentially allow Washington to trade down, and accumulate more picks to address their needs.


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