NFL Execs Rank Penix Jr., McCarthy, Nix's Throwing Sessions from 2024 Draft Combine

NFL executives weighed in on the performances of several top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft following their respective throwing sessions at the scouting combine Saturday.

Former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made a strong impression and appeared to shine among his fellow signal-callers.

"Penix stood out from the group," said an anonymous NFC executive, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "Easy, natural thrower. Smooth and the ball comes off his hand explosively, but it's catchable. And he was accurate in that setting."

Penix Jr. carried the momentum from his stellar senior season into Lucas Oil Stadium. In 15 appearances for the Huskies in 2023, he completed 65.4 percent of his throws for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

Michigan's J.J. McCarthy struggled with some early inaccuracy, although he finished the day with some impressive deep shots. He also added some bulk to his frame, which could help him take more contact in the NFL without getting rattled. He measured in at 219 pounds after he was listed at 202 pounds during his senior year with the Wolverines.

"I thought he was next [after Penix]," another NFC executive said, per Breer. "He missed a couple to his left. But he was pretty good, confident, delivered it well. The fact that he's almost 220 helps, too."

Breer noted that Bo Nix's workout did "confirm some fears" regarding his arm strength, as the former Oregon passer struggled with ball placement on deep throws during his session. It doesn't appear that he's currently ranked above Penix Jr. or McCarthy in the minds of executives.