(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It’s been days since the 2024 NFL Draft came to an end, yet people continue to talk about the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons turned a lot of heads and drew mockery and criticism for taking QB Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick.
As talented as he is, Penix was expected to be a late first-round pick or even go early in the second round, as he has a long history of injuries and is one of the oldest quarterbacks in this class.
Also, the fact that they had just signed Kirk Cousins to a multi-year, very lucrative deal, made this pick even more of a head-scratcher.
Nonetheless, former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky isn’t so sure about that.
Talking on ESPN’s Get Up, Orlovsky defended the Falcons, stating that it’s not like they were just one pass-rusher away from being a Super Bowl-caliber team.
“Everyone is talking like the Falcons were a pass-rusher in the first round away from winning the Super Bowl. They weren’t, guys,” Orlovsky said.
“Everyone is talking like the Falcons were a pass-rusher in the first round away from winning the Super Bowl. They weren’t, guys.”
@danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/UmW6raAxqq
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 29, 2024
The fans urged and thought the Falcons would go with DE Dallas Turner at No. 8.
And while Orlovsky admitted that he wasn’t that familiar with this year’s pass-rushing class, the Falcons could’ve still addressed those needs for their defensive line later in the draft, which they did.
Orlovsky argued that the Falcons were a very good team, but they were still more than one guy away from being a legitimate contender, adding that they went with defensive linemen in the next three rounds.
He has a valid point.
Even so, it’s still odd to figure out their plans for Penix Jr. and their QB room, as he could be 26 by the time he gets an opportunity to be the starter.
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