NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Michael Penix Jr. Receives Round 3 Grade from Scout amid Buzz

As 2024 NFL draft conversations heat up, evaluations of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. have yielded mixed responses.

Per ESPN's Matt Miller, the Heisman Trophy runner-up has received grades as a first-rounder and third-rounder from NFL scouts.

"I asked 10 NFL scouts this question and received replies all over the map," Miller wrote. "Penix joins [J.J.] McCarthy as the most debated quarterbacks in terms of draft stock in this class."

According to Miller, one scout believes Penix is in the top-15 range, right around where LSU quarterback and Heisman winner Jayden Daniels could be drafted.

"I would put him in the same range as [Daniels]," an AFC scout who covers the Pacific Northwest said. "I think he's in that pick six to 13 range."

When asking a different AFC scout, the answer about Penix was completely different.

"But a different AFC scout who is tasked with cross-checking the quarterbacks has a completely different opinion: 'I think he's a Round 3 guy on grade but might go earlier because of the position,'" Miller wrote.

Penix has the chance to up his draft stock next week, as he leads the Huskies into the national championship game against Michigan on Monday.

Penix has put together a magical season that almost earned him the Heisman Trophy. He's thrown for 4,648 yards and 35 touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. In Washington's College Football Playoff semifinal game against Texas, he had 430 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, leading the Huskies to a 37-31 win.

Now, all eyes will be on Penix as he and Washington look to knock off undefeated Michigan in the CFP title game on Monday. The 23-year-old has a huge opportunity to impress scouts and possibly solidify himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

In a loaded draft class that includes USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and a handful of other standouts, Penix is looking to be included among the best in the class.