It’s easy for Atlanta Falcons fans to sit back and watch rookie pass rusher Jared Fiers dominate or countless other draft pieces make an impact and wonder if the Falcons made the right decision. An answer that we won’t have for at least another two years leads to one clear answer, which is that the Falcons overplayed their game and put themselves in a worse position because of it.
No, this isn’t a snapshot of Michael Penix Jr. or what he might become, but it does point to the reality of a valuable draft pick. Under no circumstances is a top-10 pick worthy of a player you expect to stick around for at least two years. Even if that player turns out to be Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, you’ll be left with the inevitable frustration and wondering why you didn’t play with a rookie at the start of his contract. Atlanta has put themselves in a no-win position ignoring the fact that an impact player can be the difference in this team’s competition.
Imagine how different Atlanta could look with Jared Verse playing on the edge or bringing another weapon to an already loaded offense. Yes, you must plan and develop the quarterback position long-term. What we saw from Desmond Ryder and Marcus Mariota is completely unacceptable. However, selecting Penix in the top 10 and putting him in a position where he can’t start for two seasons ignores the needs of your roster and the value of the pick.
Atlanta’s own logic works against them If Penix isn’t ready to start for two seasons despite his immense talent, the quarterback isn’t worth the pick. If the former Washington quarterback deserves a top-10 pick, there’s no reasonable explanation for keeping him on the bench for two seasons.
It’s a frustrating logic that has denied the Falcons the opportunity to improve a roster that is on the verge of being a playoff contender. It’s not a stretch to say with Verse or another impact player in the first round, the Falcons would be in a much better position. It doesn’t make it any easier that the rest of the rookie class is either injured, unable to get on the field, or disappointing. It has taken countless injuries for any of the rookie defensive linemen to get a chance to get on the field.
This serves as another example of Atlanta’s poor draft decisions and a reason to question its direction. The fact that we have to wait two seasons to find out whether or not Penix is a franchise answer or bust suggests the choice was obvious and cost the Falcons the opportunity to add a needed impact player.
