Perry: Why Patriots Michael Penix Jr. should pass on originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots have primarily been linked to three quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft: UNC’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Michigan’s JJ McCarthy. However, on Monday another signal caller joined the conversation.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. met with Patriots brass and coaches for dinner, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. While this doesn’t necessarily mean New England is seriously interested in the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, it does indicate that the organization is at least open to the idea of dropping down from third overall and taking him or to select another second-string QB.
Penix is coming off a stellar senior season with the Huskies, which ended in a National Championship loss to Michigan. The 24-year-old put up some of the best numbers among college QBs, totaling 4,903 passing yards for 36 touchdowns with a 65.4 completion percentage in 15 games. Despite Penix’s success, our Phil Perry is wary if the Patriots draft him in the first or second round.
On Tuesday he explained why Arbella early edition.
“I like a lot of things about Michael Penix,” Perry said. “I love his moxie. I love his enthusiasm. I love the fact that he’s been through some really tough times. The man wondered if he would ever play football again after one of his four season-ending injuries on the trail I think it’s great that he went through that. I think it’s great that he won at a high level in Washington and that he made some really good receivers, probably even a little bit better, because that guy is a cannon like that. has left arm.
“I don’t like his medical history. It would scare me if I invested in him with a first or second round pick. You’re saying this is the future at this position for three, four, no matter how many years. and I’m uncomfortable with that based on his medical history. He’s also 24 years old and so his ceiling for improvement isn’t what it is for Drake Maye. It’s not what it is for JJ McCarthy old.”
Penix suffered four season-ending injuries during his time at Indiana: two torn ACLs in the same knee and two shoulder issues. He transferred to Washington ahead of the 2022 season and enjoyed two impressive, healthy seasons with the Huskies.
His injury history isn’t the only thing that worries Perry.
“I’m also a little concerned about Michael Penix’s playing style,” Perry added. “He’s a quarterback who can throw bombs and if Bruce Arians were here and coaching this offense, I’d say run with it. They don’t have the weapons for that type of offense. They don’t have the offensive line for a pocketbook. ” passer the way Michael Penix – in general – approaches his job on the field. It’s not a good situation and you don’t leave him until the squad gets better because, again, he’s 24 years old.
Penix may be too much of a risk for a Patriots team looking for stability at the QB position after parting ways with 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones. However, if New England gets a shot at his number 3 pick, he will be one of the most important signal callers to consider.
Watch Perry discuss his case against Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi in the early edition below:
