According to reports, Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. passed his medical examinations at the 2024 NFL Combine. Could Penix now challenge for a spot in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft? There are other factors at play, but this may open the door.
Michael Penix Jr. Passes NFL Combine Medical Exam, Increasing Round 1 Odds
For Penix, ability has never been the question. He’s a prototypical-sized QB with a rocket arm, who threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2023 while landing as a Heisman finalist and leading the Huskies to a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance.
Rather, the biggest question for Penix heading into the 2024 NFL Draft cycle was his medical history. Penix has two torn ACLs in his history as well as two separate shoulder joint injuries — one of which involved his throwing arm.
NFL Combine medicals served as a major checkpoint for Penix, as injuries were viewed as the biggest roadblock in the way of a potential Round 1. But medicals have now passed, and per reports, Penix passed, alleviating concerns surrounding his injury history.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport had more to share on Penix’s evaluation on NFL Network: “Another top, potential first-round QB. Medicals were so important for him. My understanding is that the medical exams came out extremely positive for Penix. No issues going forward. A big-time check mark as he heads into the draft.”
Now, the question for Penix has changed. The medicals have proven to be a non-issue, is Round 1 a distinct possibility? I think the answer is ‘Yes,’ and that’s exactly what I said in my scouting report of Penix earlier in the offseason:
“If Penix’s medicals are not an issue, there is little stopping him from being a Round 1 pick, and with more development, he could go on to be a successful NFL starter.”
Penix does have room to improve his mechanics and situational precision on a down-to-down basis, and he’s not a high-level creator. But Penix has enough pocket mobility and straight-line speed, and he can carve up defenses at all levels with his drive velocity and field vision.
Penix will have competition for first-round real estate. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are already penciled in as the top two picks. J.J. McCarthy and Jayden Daniels are next up, and Bo Nix and Spencer Rattler also linger as potential challengers.
Nevertheless, Penix is arguably the most consistent processor of that group, with a visible understanding of NFL passing concepts. And his elite arm talent helps him elevate the offense from within the pocket.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Combine Results — 40-Yard Dash, Bench Press, Vertical, 3-Cone, and More
On the film, and in the locker room, there’s a strong argument to make that Penix is worth Round 1 capital. Now that Penix’s medicals are a non-issue, that argument faces even less resistance. It’s still not a guarantee, but this was a step in the right direction.
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