Could Michael Penix Jr. be the odd man out when it comes to top quarterbacks in the NFL Draft? On ESPN’s SportsCenter Special: Field Yates Mock Draft 2.0 show, Field Yates has the former Washington Huskies quarterback being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the second round of the draft (No. 36 overall). Yates said talent is not an issue with Penix and could end up in the first round once Draft Day arrives.
“I thought about him all over the first round,” Yates said. “He ends up sliding to the top of Round 2, but I won’t be surprised if he winds up being one of the first 32 selections once the draft begins.”
Yates has the Raiders trading up to get Penix but admitted they could select him at No. 13 overall. The NFL insider said Penix is an “electric thrower” and a “sight to be seen.” Yates also pointed out that Penix could be the second starting QB in the league that is left-handed.
Yates is not the only draft expert to think that Penix could fall. Mel Kiper Jr. does not have Penix selected in the first round of his latest mock draft and explained why on ESPN Front Row.
“Michael Penix Jr., the big thing is the injuries,” Kiper said. “I think that’s the main thing — the injuries, you think about the shoulder, the knee. Bottom line is, if he can stay healthy, he can spin it. He can make throws at every point on the field, off platform he’s not as effective as some of these other quarterbacks [so] you gotta protect him. You gotta have a really good offensive line there because of the durability question [and] the injuries at Indiana.”
2023 was a magical year for Michael Penix Jr.
Penix had a huge 2023 season at Washington. In 15 games, Penix threw for 4,903 yards, and 36 touchdowns while leading the Huskies to a 14-1 record and appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship game. Penix won the Maxwell Award and was named a first-team All-American.
At the Combine, Penix was asked if his injury history are a concern for teams. “If they are, I can’t control it at this point,” he said, per the Seattle Times. “That’s another reason why I came back for the 2023 season was just to have another fully healthy season and show that I’m ready to compete and I can do it at the next level. So at this point, I can’t control if there are still questions about the injury history.”
The post Field Yates explains Michael Penix Jr. falling to second round appeared first on On3.