So Atlanta took Penix over McCarthy

[StickierBuns]

Its always been very interesting to me, but I don't think its really been discussed. I knew Nix was going to be the last of the 'Big 6' QBs to go in round 1, but the Falcons decided Penix Jr. was going to be a better investment as a franchise QB than JJ McCarthy. The dynamics of it all are so interesting. Who is going to be proven right, not only with JJM vs. Penix but all the QBs (outside of Daniels who SEEMS to be golden at this point beyond the others).

I have my thoughts but I'll save them for later in this thread after others have chimed in.

[JustInTime]

I thought Penix was the best fit for our O. But that medical history was just brutal. I liked him early Day 2 and was pretty shocked he went ahead of JJM, but could understand it to an extent. 

Also thought along with Daniels the most pro ready. But there was no way on god’s green earth I would have had the stones to pick him without a 4 year GM contract in hand. NFW. 

Watched a lot of Nix at Auburn and saw him make throws a JR High School player shouldn’t have thrown. His game didn’t impress me at Oregon as so many of his throws were near the LOS. I’m honestly shocked he did as well as he did as a rookie. I’d give Payton his props for this, but fuck Sean Payton to Hell in perpetuity.

Maye reminds me a ton of Drew Bledsoe. I liked him but didn’t want to trade up for him. I think he’s going to be a very solid to good pro, but I don’t know about his ceiling yet. 

Loved Daniels, but thought he was way too frail. Still not sure he’s going to hold up but time will tell.

[purplefaithful]

Daniels was the guy I really wanted and fell in luv with him in college. I would have taken him over Caleb.

Penix over McCarthy is going to be interesting to watch unfold and we'll get to see them on the same field this year!

I think there's a lot to like about both (but like BN) the medicals on Penix scared the bejeezus out of me.

I got even more cold feet after watching him against big boy talent in the CFP's. I wouldn't have drafted him unless he was the last qb standing of the 6.

My last point may not age well...

[Montana Tom]

I'll give you my opinion in three years.

[MaroonBells]

I think most of us try to compare this QB class to previous classes, where on average 50-60% would be busts, or at least mild disappointments. But we knew then, and should still know, that this QB class was simply a much better class than most. One of the best in the last two decades. 

Still, there were things I liked and didn't like about every one of 'em. I remember watching a whole bunch of Drake Maye and wondering what the big fuss was about. Prototype, Justin Herbert clone, but his passes didn't have a lot of zip, and he wasn't as mobile as some writers were giving him credit for. Still, I knew KOC wanted him and that was enough for me. 

Caleb Williams had more athletic instincts than anyone maybe ever, but he wasn't consistently accurate and would escape the pocket much sooner than he needed to. Jayden Daniels had a great arm, terrific motion and could run like the wind, but they way he exposed himself at the end of runs bordered on insanity. Is he OK in the head? 

I thought Nix had a very high floor and would do well early on due to age, experience and VERY underrated running ability, but that his ceiling was limited. I still feel that way. Penix was the most accurate, but his whacky motion was nails on a chalkboard, and then the injury history? Man, good luck. 

I liked Jonathan James early but didn't love him until late. By the time the draft rolled around I thought he was the most intriguing and the most "sneaky-good" QB in the draft. About two weeks before the draft, I decided I wanted him more than Maye. I felt his tools (arm, wheels) were being unfairly dismissed because of the offense he played in, which is still happening (see Cowherd).

[JustInTime]

I'll give you my opinion in three years.

Oh, cmon. You can tell us who you liked now.   Who is going to be the better QB after 3 years has already been decided.

[TheWinterSKOLdier]

I had really wanted Maye during the draft process. He reminded me a lot of Herbert/Allen. Add the fact that KOC wanted him and he was a consensus top 3 QB in a generational draft made me want him as our QBOTF even more. Once that dream died, JJ was my guy. Just loved his moxie and confidence. The only thing that prevented him from being up there with Maye for me was the lack of opportunities in the passing game. I thought that might delay his development, but boy it seems I was way off. 

Here's to hoping a long career in purple for our boy JJ.

[JustInTime]

I think most of us try to compare this QB class to previous classes, where on average 50-60% would be busts, or at least mild disappointments. But we knew then, and should still know, that this QB class was simply a much better class than most. One of the best in the last two decades. 

Still, there were things I liked and didn't like about every one of 'em. I remember watching a whole bunch of Drake Maye and wondering what the big fuss was about. Prototype, Justin Herbert clone, but his passes didn't have a lot of zip, and he wasn't as mobile as some writers were giving him credit for. Still, I knew KOC wanted him and that was enough for me. 

Caleb Williams had more athletic instincts than anyone maybe ever, but he wasn't consistently accurate and would escape the pocket much sooner than he needed to. Jayden Daniels had a great arm, terrific motion and could run like the wind, but they way he exposed himself at the end of runs bordered on insanity. Is he OK in the head? 

I thought Nix had a very high floor and would do well early on due to age, experience and VERY underrated running ability, but that his ceiling was limited. I still feel that way. Penix was the most accurate, but his whacky motion was nails on a chalkboard, and then the injury history? Man, good luck. 

I liked Jonathan James early but didn't love him until late. By the time the draft rolled around I thought he was the most intriguing and the most "sneaky-good" QB in the draft. About two weeks before the draft, I decided I wanted him more than Maye. I felt his tools (arm, wheels) were being unfairly dismissed because of the offense he played in, which is still happening (see Cowherd).

Do you think Penix’s throwing motion is exacerbated due to him being a lefty? I never had a huge problem with it.

[MaroonBells]

Do you think Penix’s throwing motion is exacerbated due to him being a lefty? I never had a huge problem with it.

I thought of that. Here's what I wrote about him back in January of 2024.

Michael Penix Jr - 6-3, 213, unathletic? Hard to tell
Probably the most accurate QB in this class.
Weirdest throwing motion I’ve seen since Tim Tebow. Is being a lefty throwing me off? His footwork is an even bigger problem. Throws every ball as if he’s riding a horse. Legs apart, body out of alignment. Accuracy doesn't appear to be affected tho.
Good dude, but comes across a little thick in interviews.
Good movement in the pocket, but rarely runs. Can he run? Have not seen a single run over 10 yards. Are there any? On the plus side, this may mean he has more pocket discipline than others. 
Floor is Teddy Bridgewater. Ceiling is Tua.

[Kentis]

Probably a DEI pick…