NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Falcons Send 'Sizable Group' for Michael Penix Jr. Workout

A "sizable group" of Atlanta Falcons representatives will conduct a private workout with Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Seattle on Friday, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported.

The group watching Penix includes head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, according to Breer.

The Falcons hold the No. 8 and No. 43 picks in the 2024 draft.

Penix, the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, led Washington to an undefeated regular season record and Pac-12 title in his final college season.

He completed 363 passes for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2023.

His draft stock has been hurt by his injury history. Torn ACLs and shoulder injuries ended four of Penix's six college seasons early.

Unlike teams at the top of the draft who are considered locks to draft quarterbacks, the Falcons are not guaranteed to select a signal-caller with either of their top selections after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal last month.

Although Cousins is still recovering from the surgery he underwent on his torn Achilles in November, the Falcons signed him with the expectation he would be ready for the team's September 8 season-opener, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe (h/t Daniel Flick for WJBF.)

That could open up the Falcons to taking the best player available with the No. 8 pick. Given that there is an expectation four of the top six picks could be used on quarterbacks, that player isn't likely to be a signal-caller.

Then again, the Falcons could use a third quarterback given Cousins' injury history and the fact that he will be entering his age-36 season having just recovered from surgery.

The team already has Taylor Heinicke, who took a pay cut to remain Cousins' backup heading into the 2024 season, ESPN's Michael Rothstein reported.

Rothstein also noted that Morris has said the Falcons plan to add a third quarterback to the roster, possibly through the draft.

Penix is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback prospect and No. 84 overall prospect on the latest Big Board by the B/R NFL Scouting Department.

If his workout goes well, the Falcons may have to decide if adding a third quarterback is worth one of their top picks.