NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Find Next Franchise QB?

The Atlanta Falcons need to find their next franchise quarterback this offseason and could do that via the NFL Draft.

Who will the Atlanta Falcons select with the No. 8 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft? It is a question rightfully on the mind of many after a third-straight 7-10 season saw the Falcons obtain another top-10 pick. 

In each of the last three drafts, all of which saw them hold a top-10 pick, the Falcons have taken an offensive player. Could that streak continue? 

According to the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Falcons will take Washington quarterback Michael Penix.  

“Penix has put together a monster season with one game to go,” PFF writes. “The sixth-year gunslinger with an unorthodox throwing style has racked up 40 big-time throws this season, the most of any FBS quarterback. That includes five in the conference championship game against Oregon and six in the Sugar Bowl against Texas."

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.  / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Husky may be a fairly new name at the quarterback position for the average fan. While much of the attention has gone to both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye since they've emerged on the scene, a prospect like Penix has somewhat quietly built up his draft stock. 

Penix started his career at the University of Indiana, where, despite being their starter since his freshman year, he never managed to play in more than six games as he suffered four season-ending injuries, two of which were ACL tears. 

However, after an injury-riddled career as a Hoosier, his transfer to the Huskies paid off. Not only did he become the starter at a more competitive program, but he was also able to put together two full seasons, the last of which saw him lead Washington to the brink of a national championship. 

In 26 games at Washington, Penix developed a reputation as a "gun-slinger," throwing for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns with 19 interceptions. With his performance in the college football playoff semifinal against Texas potentially being a preview of what he could do at the next level.

Versus a stout Longhorns defense, Penix completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns while adding 31 yards with his legs on three attempts. Yet, his most recent showing in the national championship game versus the Michigan Wolverines may leave questions as he completed only 27 of his 51 passes for 255 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. 

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While one game shouldn't make or break a prospect's draft stock, Penix's strong super-senior season will give many evaluators a lot to think about, including the Falcons. 

After a season where inadequate quarterback play plagued them, adding a proven gunslinger in Penix to pair with an experienced and creative play-caller could be a good fit.