(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons were the most talked about teams in the NFL Draft.
Their decision to go with Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick was as controversial as it was hard to explain.
Most analysts expected them to go with a pass-rusher.
Instead, they took a 24-year-old quarterback just weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal.
Nonetheless, it seems like they also intended to get their first-round pass-rusher; they just couldn’t pull it off.
As shown in a clip shared by Ari Meirov on Twitter, the Falcons apparently tried to get the New York Jets to trade them the No. 10 pick so they could get back into the first round.
This is interesting: #Jets GM Joe Douglas says the #Falcons told him they are sticking and picking at No. 8 and then would also be interested in trading for the Jets’ No. 10 pick….
So it seems like Atlanta wanted Michael Penix Jr. and then wanted to come back all the way back… pic.twitter.com/9LkhQPoG6E
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 1, 2024
The Jets traded down one spot with the Minnesota Vikings instead, allowing the Vikings to get their hands on JJ McCarthy at No. 10, and then getting Olu Fashanu to protect Aaron Rodgers at No. 11.
That would’ve definitely turned the narrative around, and it would’ve been a slam dunk for the Falcons and their brass.
But since that didn’t happen, they addressed their need for depth on the offensive line in the following three rounds.
The Falcons clearly liked what they saw on Penix Jr’s tape, and it’s easy to understand why.
Then again, their particular situation made people wonder about their plans and direction for the future, and Kirk Cousins might not exactly be thrilled with this decision.
This is definitely not how you want to start the new era.
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