Even weeks after the NFL Draft, fans and media members alike are still flummoxed by the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick after signing Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million deal in the offseason.
New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has finally given some insight into what went into that selection.
Morris appeared on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, and said that the mindset behind the Penix pick was “our job is to have short-term and long-term thoughts.”
Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem Morris speaks up on why they drafted Michael Penix Jr.
“Our job is to have short term and long term thoughts”
Is Penix the future of the Falcons? pic.twitter.com/dbZBVLnojS
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) May 15, 2024
Lewan highlighted the thoughts that many people had when Atlanta was on the clock at No. 8, saying that the team has needed a dominant pass rusher ever since John Abraham left the team years ago, and Morris noted: “We went through a hard time without Matt Ryan.”
He shared an interesting perspective and said if the team had drafted Cousins and was sitting here with 36-year-old Cousins after playing over a decade for the franchise and then decided to draft Penix, people would probably understand the pick a bit more.
Cousins is also coming off a torn Achilles, so having a great insurance policy isn’t a bad idea.
Penix had four season-ending injuries in college as well, so avoiding throwing him right into the fire could be the right long-term move as well.
This is still an interesting situation, but it’s great to hear Morris’ thoughts on this and to know the organization is thinking both short and long-term.
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