The 2024 NFL Draft kicked off with a flurry of excitement, but it was the Atlanta Falcons who stole the spotlight, delivering a jaw-dropping surprise with their first-round pick.

Falcons’ unexpected selection of Penix Jr.

In a move that left fans and experts alike reeling, the Falcons selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall, sparking a wave of speculation and intrigue across the league.

As the draft unfolded, all eyes were on the Falcons as they made their selection.

While many anticipated a different direction for Atlanta, the team threw a curveball by choosing Penix, a move that caught even incumbent quarterback Kirk Cousins off guard.

Reports revealed that Cousins had no prior knowledge of the Falcons’ intentions, highlighting the secrecy surrounding Atlanta’s decision-making process.

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah revealed on air that Cousins’ camp confirmed he didn’t have prior knowledge of the Falcons’ decision to pick a quarterback in the first round.

“I just reached out to his agent, Mike McCartney, he was not given a heads up. Kirk Cousins was not given really a heads up on this whole thing,” Jeremiah said.

The news of Penix’s selection left Cousins stunned and disappointed, according to sources.

Coming off a recent multi-million dollar contract, Cousins had assumed he would lead the Falcons’ offense for years to come.

However, the team’s bold move signaled a potential shift in direction, leaving Cousins to grapple with the uncertainty of his future in Atlanta.

Penix Jr. poised to learn from Cousins

For Penix, the draft day surprise was met with a mix of shock and excitement.

“I’m not going to say I knew it was coming,”Penix said. “But I knew once the phone call came through.”

Despite the unexpected nature of his selection, the young quarterback expressed readiness to learn from Cousins and embrace the opportunity to grow within the Falcons’ organization.

“He’s been in the league,”Penix said. “He’s been in there for a while. He’s played a lot of football. I feel like I’m going to come in and I’m going to learn. I’m going to learn from him.”

While Penix’s talent is undeniable, concerns linger regarding his injury history and age.

Multiple ACL injuries during his college career have raised questions about his durability, adding an element of risk to the Falcons’ decision.

However, with the guidance of experienced veterans like Cousins, Penix has the chance to develop his skills and overcome any obstacles that may arise.