Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was arguably the best player in college football in 2023. When is he eligible for the NFL Draft? We have everything you need to know about Penix and his future.
When Is Michael Penix Jr. Eligible for the NFL Draft?
Penix is eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s a sixth-year senior, meaning he has exhausted his collegiate eligibility. The only way he could have returned to school for 2024 would have been to petition the NCAA after a season-ending injury.
With 14 games played this season, Penix will be in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft and a potential first-round pick.
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A win against the Michigan Wolverines would cap off Penix’s decorated career with a national championship ring.
Penix began his career at Indiana. He spent four years with the Hoosiers, playing only 21 games due to various issues. Between injuries and the shortened COVID season (2020), Penix has more starts in two years with Washington than at Indiana.
Michael Penix Jr. Scouting Report
Strengths
- Penix is an excellent decision-maker who rarely puts the ball in harm’s way because he sees the field well.
- Solid accuracy that hasn’t always been reflected in his stats because he’s testing tight windows for contested catches.
- Penix has improved his passing motion throughout his career to use more touch when throwing over defenders.
- Dissects defenses pre-snap as well as any passer in the country. He knows where to go with the ball before progressing through more than his first post-snap read.
- Gives his playmakers the chance to finish at the catch point, showing trust and getting the ball into their frame.
- Subtle footwork in the pocket buys him enough time to find a clean passing window.
- Improved as an improviser in key moments throughout his career. His tape against Texas showed a more confident and in-control player under pressure.
- One of the best deep passers in recent years. Has the ability to drop bucket throws over defenders.
- Improved arm strength allows him to effectively drive the ball across his body and the field.
- Has overcome adversity to become a star player.
Weaknesses
- Was slowed down by defenses that dropped eight into coverage and took away deeper routes as he hunted big plays.
- Is not a major rushing threat outside of being near the goal line. Has relatively slow feet and lacks the agility and burst to make defenders miss in space.
- Penix’s up-and-down nature until 2022 included mechanical breakdowns and erratic decision-making when negative plays started to avalanche.
- Has had four season-ending injuries, including torn ACLs in 2018 and 2020, and shoulder injuries in 2019 and 2021. These have affected his athleticism and power.
- More reliant on his playmakers than other top quarterbacks, as a subpar supporting cast won’t win jump balls or create after the catch as effectively.
- Still has a strange-looking passing delivery that may turn off some traditional evaluators who want to see an over-the-top delivery.
- His performance under pressure can vary. He was sometimes quick to throw the ball out of bounds at the first sign of pressure. However, he improved his reactions when it mattered most.
- Turns 24 before the start of the 2024 NFL season.