Michael Penix Jr. drafted by the Atlanta Falcons No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The selection came as a bit of a surprise as the Falcons signed QB Kirk Cousins this offseason after trading away Desmond Ridder. However, this is a good spot for Penix as he can take some time to sit behind Cousins and learn the position.

Michael Penix Jr. drafted by the Falcons #8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft

Penix is coming off of two stellar seasons at the University of Washington where he threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns and finished second in the Heisman voting race this last season. Before he joined the Huskies, Washington finished 4-8 the year prior. Penix's presence helped the Huskies improve to 11-2 and an Alamo Bowl win in 2022 to a record of 14-1, a Pac-12 Championship win, a Sugar Bowl Championship win, and a National Championship appearance in 2023.

Before transferring to the University of Washington, Penix played at the University of Indiana. His injury-riddled time with the Hoosiers, where he suffered two torn ACLs and a shoulder injury, left a lot of discourse regarding his draft stock.

His talent alone has proved that he’s a first-round talent.

Aside from his injury past, skeptics have noted concerns that he won’t be as good without his top offensive line in the country, his high-powered offense, as well as concerns about his mobility.

Penix did his part to put these concerns to bed ahead the draft in a column with The Players' Tribune. Looks like it was enough for the Falcons to snag him early.