How Atlanta Drafting Michael Penix Shook Up Social Media

This past weekend, the NFL Draft had many noteworthy moments for multiple reasons. More than 700,000 fans from across the globe flocked to Detroit to watch the excitement unfold.

Personally, I’ve never been to an NFL draft, just worked them for Bleacher Report and the NFL Network at an office in the past. But, I usually watch the first round almost every time.

Sorry, but never watch a majority of the rounds, especially I don’t look out for Mr. Irrelevant or the last overall pick. I didn’t know who Brock Purdy was in college, but now every NFL fan does.

There were many storylines this past weekend that encapsulated the big event. From six QBs in the first 12 picks to Twitch star “Sketch” announcing the Houston Texans’ fourth-round pick.

But, no storyline stood out more than the Atlanta Falcons selecting Washington QB Michael Penix with the No. 8 overall pick.

I’ve known about Penix for quite some time. Penix started his college football journey at Indiana University (my alma mater). He played in 17 games and had a record of 12-5 (from 2019-2021), which is pretty impressive for an IU quarterback.

In December 2021, Penix transferred to the University of Washington, an impressive decision which changed his future trajectory in my opinion. Penix played two seasons for the Huskies and his record was 25-3! I think he got robbed of winning the Heisman Trophy to Jayden Daniels last year, but I’m biased.

Fast forward to Friday April 25th, where the first three QBs are off the board (Caleb Williams, Daniels and Drake Maye) in the first three picks.

Most people weren’t expecting the Falcons to draft a QB or at least with their first round pick because they signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason.

Lo and behold, the Falcons select Penix. This move shocked the football world because of the Cousins contract. I wasn’t shocked because I know how good Penix is, but his injury history troubled why he didn’t go top five.

A LOT of the media pundits questioned this move. Yahoo Sports and numerous other media outlets gave this pick an “F”. I can understand that, but to call a near Heisman Trophy winner with an outstanding arm and nearly 5,000 passing yards last year an “F” is not right.

Social Media Reactions:

Not only did the media outlets have their take on the Penix pick, but the sports social media world did too.

The comments flooded the first Instagram post by the NFL and Falcons.

Some not so great, but on point too…

On top of that, Cousins was not made aware of the pick ahead of time.

According to The Guardian article, Mike McCarthy, Cousins’ agent, said “Yes, it was a big surprise,” McCarthy told NFL Network. “We had no idea this was coming. The truth is the whole league had no idea this was coming. We got no heads up. Kirk got a call from the Falcons when they were on the clock. That was the first we heard. It never came up in any conversation.”

Also, in a video posted by @_mlfootball, it appears that Falcons Owner Arthur Blank was surprised by the pick too.

At the end of the day, this is Penix’s life and all the media pundits and social media trolls shouldn’t beat the Falcons down on the pick, but wait and see how he pans out before calling it an “F”.

I’m excited to see how Penix performs this upcoming season. Also, if the Falcons go to some sort of two QB set-up. Or like the Packers situation recently with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love (meaning QB in waiting). Lets not forget that Cousins will be 36-years old in August too.

Overall, I couldn’t be more happy for Penix and his family, but he will have to prove the doubters and haters wrong, which is not easy to do. Most likely, he won’t start game one or maybe even a game in his rookie season, but I believe the Falcons will be just fine long term.

Meme of the Day (Shout-out Ghetto Gronk):