Perhaps the Falcons plan to send Kirk Cousins back to the Vikings as a solution to the NFL’s investigation into free agent misconduct allegations.
Otherwise, Atlanta’s decision to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, just seven weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. It made no sense.
Cousins was reportedly furious that he was not informed that his replacement would be drafted before playing for the Falcons.
That’s a bad spot for Penix, who is about to turn 24 and is an immediate prospect who will be stuck on the bench for at least two seasons.
Not helpful for a playoff-minded team lacking pass rushers.
It’s a long-term move that runs counter to 81-year-old owner Arthur Blank’s frank sense of urgency to win now.
Every loss sparks a fan and media-driven quarterback debate.
Everyone involved with the Falcons lost on this pick. Here are the other winners and losers of the first round of the draft:
winner
Giants QB Daniel Jones: Significant investment was made in discovering the “most talented group” [of quarterbacks] Giants owner John Mara said he was told by the front office, but nothing came of it. The quarterback additions now do not threaten Jones’ job in 2024, so Jones has a chance to be a long-term safety back in 2025 rather than being treated as a guaranteed cut.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah: He accused the Giants of drafting J.J. McCarthy at No. 6 of a bluff. He didn’t overreact to the possibility that the Broncos or Raiders would jump on him for McCarthy. He took his quarterback of the future at No. 10, traded up from No. 23 without giving up a second-round pick, and then stole edge rusher Dallas Turner (arguably the best defensive player in the draft) at No. 17. .
Eagles GM Howie Roseman: One of the NFL’s most aggressive traders was unable to move up from No. 22 despite reported attempts. He had the last laugh by being able to fill the Eagles’ seemingly biggest need each year with the No. 1 ranked player at the position (cornerback Kunyon Mitchell) without giving up any other assets. It was when Mitchell will be the Eagles’ first first-round cornerback draft pick since 2002.
bear: General manager Ryan Pauls made a historic trade in March 2023 that netted him the No. 1 pick in 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams enters a ready-made situation that most No. 1 picks don’t experience. Receiver Roman Odunze (No. 9) will grow alongside Williams. It’s natural for patient Bears fans to expect them to make the playoffs. There are so many winners here and there’s a lot of pressure on head coach Matt Eberflus.
LSU: The three-way recruiting debate surrounding wide receiver U continues to intensify. Ohio State and Alabama have plenty of alumni who play in the NFL, but they also have two first-rounders (Malik Nabors of the Giants and Brian Thomas of the Jaguars) in Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Odell. Join Beckham Jr. on “What’s in store for you?” Are you done with these days yet? box.
loser
Bills QB Josh Allen: There was talk of the Bills trading a receiver for Stefon Diggs. Instead, they traded down twice to have seven receivers come off the board, including three after the original 28th pick. And the Dolphins added a pass rusher (Chop Robinson) to make his life even harder twice each season.
Cowboys: If you’re going to trade back in the first round, it’s better to know what the team in front of you is planning. The Cowboys moved down from No. 24 to No. 29 for a third-round pick, losing a potential starter to the Buccaneers (center Graham Burton) and Chiefs (receiver Xavier Worthy). It’s been a strangely negative offseason for the Cowboys.
Patriots QB Drake Maye: One league official said the Patriots ( 3rd pick) as the worst ranking. . Maye needs time to correct his bad habits, but if journeyman Jacoby Brissett struggles, the nosy owner may want to see him play sooner.
Assailant: Once the Giants passed, it looked like the three obvious destinations for the last three of the six first-round quarterbacks. The Raiders will regret not being more aggressive until the Falcons jump in and shut the Raiders out. Will the Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce era begin with a quarterback battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell? And 2023 second-round pick tight end Michael Mayer will be replaced by 13th pick Brock. The arrival of Bowers has already put them in a predicament.
Defensive coordinator: His 2023 scoring season (43.6 total points per game) was his second-lowest season since 2009. It was the defense that won the championship, right? So why were the first 14 players (a new record) chosen from the offense? General managers told defensive coordinators to “think about it.”
