Falcons select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with eighth overall pick

What It Means

The Falcons made the splashy move of signing Kirk Cousins to a free agent deal this offseason, but will now secure their quarterback of the future in Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Penix Jr. was one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football over the past two seasons, compiling 9,544 passing yards with 67 touchdowns to just 19 interceptions. He led the Huskies to the National Championship game this past season, falling just short of sealing the deal in the Huskies' loss to the Michigan Wolverines.

It's a surprising move for Atlanta, but the Falcons are clearly doing their best to make sure they have a franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. He should be expected to sit behind Cousins for his rookie season, but will get to practice with NFL studs like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.