2024 has already been an exciting year for Michael Penix Jr. In January, the former Washington quarterback led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Washington ultimately fell to the University of Michigan Wolverines 34-13 in a contest that was decided in the first half. Next, Penix Jr. declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and began participating in the pre-draft process. Now, just days away from the draft, Penix Jr. has penned a powerful letter to NFL general managers regarding his injury history.
Michael Penix Jr. wrote the letter, title “A Letter to NFL GMs”, which was published on The Players' Tribune on Monday. In the letter, Penix Jr. writes about his past, injury history, and why it has prepared him for success in the NFL.
“Truth is, I’d be more worried if I had never been injured.” Penix Jr. said. “We don’t all come back the same. I know the storms I’m prepared to weather. For most people that’d be the end of their story. But there’s more to my story, and I own every page of it.”
Michael Penix Jr. suffered four season-ending injuries between 2018 and 2021, dating back to the beginning of his collegiate career at Indiana. His injuries include multiple torn ACL injuries on his right knee.
Ultimately, Penix Jr. is confident that he can succeed despite his past injuries.
“So I have no problem taking all the MRIs and X-rays you ask of me…” Penix Jr. said. “Truth is, it’s an EKG that will tell you everything you need to know about me.”
Where will Michael Penix Jr. be picked in the 2024 NFL Draft?
All of that being said — where will Penix Jr. be selected in the draft? Will his injury concerns scare teams away, causing him to fall out of the first round?
Michael Penix Jr. is not viewed as one of the top-tier quarterback prospects in this year's draft. He is viewed below guys like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy. Instead, he is widely viewed as a second-tier QB along the likes of Bo Nix and Spencer Rattler.
As a result, it is unlikely that Penix Jr. will be drafted by any of the QB-needy teams in the top 11 picks. Most analysts believe that Chicago, Washington, New England, and Minnesota will all pick a quarterback in the first round, likely one of the top four options. Therefore, Penix Jr. comes into consideration at 12 with the Denver Broncos and 13 with the Las Vegas Raiders. One dark horse team could be the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle owns pick 16 in the first round and could be enamored with the local product out of the University of Washington. If drafted, he would likely enter a developmental role behind current starter Geno Smith.
All of this aligns with what the betting markets are currently showing. BetMGM lists the Las Vegas Raiders as the favorite to draft Michael Penix Jr. at +375. Other top teams include the Vikings (+475), Broncos (+500), Giants (+700), and Seahawks (+900).
According to mock drafts, Michael Penix Jr. could last until the middle of the second round at the latest.
Penix Jr. will finally get his answer from 32 NFL teams later this week in Detroit.
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