SEATTLE — Decision-makers from the Atlanta Falcons are expected to be in Seattle on Friday to conduct a private workout with former University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Friday morning citing sources.
Breer reported that a "sizable" group that includes new head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot departed for Seattle from Atlanta on Friday morning.
Atlanta has the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team just signed its new franchise quarterback in four-time Pro Bowl selection Kirk Cousins in free agency, but many reports indicate the team still has interest in drafting a quarterback from this year's class.
Penix Jr. is among a highly-touted group of quarterbacks available in this year's class. Former Heisman Trophy winners Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels as well as former University of North Carolina standout Drake Maye are expected to be taken in the top three picks. Former University of Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and national champion J.J. McCarthy also have drawn a lot of interest from NFL teams.
Most NFL mock drafts of late do not have Penix being a first-round selection in this year's draft, as some concerns have been reported about his age and injury history.
The UW product has been linked to the Seahawks given his time with the Huskies and new Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb having worked with Penix for the past two seasons on Montlake.
Even if the team doesn't plan to select Penix at No. 8 overall, bringing the top brass of the organization all the way to Seattle for a private workout indicates mild interest at the very least in the quarterback.
