REVIEW OF Michael Penix Jr.’s NFL Draft profile for 2024

One of the most intriguing quarterbacks available in the 2024 NFL Draft is Michael Penix Jr. Despite overcoming numerous obstacles during his college football career, he finished as the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up and is still regarded by many as not being selected in the first round of the draft. He may even be selected on the third day by some because of his durability concerns.

Penix, a three-star recruit from Tampa, Florida, began his career at the University of Indiana. Before sustaining an ACL tear and being redshirted, he participated in three games as a true freshman. Even though Penix was starting that season in 2019, he only managed to play in six games before sustaining yet another injury that ended his season. Penix made a comeback as the starter in 2020, but he sustained a third season-ending injury in three seasons—a torn ACL.

Penix threw for 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions while playing at Indiana. If he could maintain his health, the young quarterback had a lot of potential.

Michael Penix Jr. profile for the 2024 NFL Draft
Penix was on the verge of quitting football when he made the crucial decision to follow his former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Kalen DeBoer, to the University of Washington.

Penix would quickly establish himself as one of the country’s top quarterbacks behind Washington’s elite passing offense.

He completed his 2021 passing campaign with 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He was eighth in the Heisman voting but led the Pac-12 in passing yards, pass completions, and pass attempts.

Penix passed for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while finishing 2022 as a Heisman favorite. In addition to winning the Sugar Bowl and Pac-12 Championship, he guided the Huskies to a National Championship appearance.

Benefits

Penix, who has one of the strongest arms on the field, sticks out as a top QB prospect in the draft. He can launch long-range bombs with accuracy and ease because of his remarkable touch and velocity as a left-handed passer. He has exceptional football intelligence; he processes pre-snap data quickly and effectively.

Penix moves through his progressions with remarkable field vision, constantly making accurate passes that give his receivers lots of opportunity to show off.

Limitations

Given that Penix has experienced three season-ending injuries in the past three years, his durability is the main area of concern. Even though he had multiple rib injuries during his Huskies career, he never wavered in his dedication to the game.

Hip stiffness in Penix, an upper-body thrower, can restrict torque on large throws. When plays falter, he also has a tendency to force bad throws, which forces him to veer off script.