The Falcons surprised many in the first round of the draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, especially considering they had invested in Kirk Cousins in free agency. However, they had other plans for the first round. Despite trying to trade up, they couldn’t secure a higher pick. Nevertheless, they managed to get Penix, who is seen as a successor to Cousins. Some expected the Falcons to pick a defensive player with the eighth pick, and they could have still done so with another first-round pick.
There’s a behind-the-scenes video from the Jets revealing that the Falcons were interested in trading for the No. 10 pick, but the Jets declined. Eventually, the Jets moved back one spot after trading with the Vikings. Criticism followed the Falcons’ selection of Penix because it didn’t immediately improve the team for 2024, unlike another first-round pick would have.
In the video, Jets GM Joe Douglas made it clear the Falcons wanted to keep the eighth pick while also getting the tenth. However, getting the tenth pick would have been costly, possibly involving future first-round picks. Moving back into the top 10 would have allowed the Falcons to choose from the top defensive prospects of 2024.
Before the draft, sources indicated that the Falcons were considering Penix, Dallas Turner from Alabama, and Byron Murphy from Texas. Murphy went to the Seahawks at 16, and the Vikings took Turner after trading up.
After selecting Penix, the Falcons chose four consecutive defensive players. These rookies will likely have more immediate impact than Penix, assuming Cousins stays healthy in 2024. However, the same could have been said for a player selected at No. 10. This situation will be an intriguing ‘what if’ as the 2024 class’s performances unfold.
