NFL Coach: Michael Penix Jr. 'Is Better Now Than' Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy for NFL

Michael Penix Jr. is one of the more polarizing players heading into the 2024 NFL draft.

He had plenty of impressive college production and some of the best accuracy among the incoming rookie quarterbacks. But he'll also be 24 in May, has had injury issues in his past and there are questions about whether he has less overall upside than players like Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy.

At least one NFL assistant head coach is a major fan, however.

"Penix is better now than Maye and McCarthy for NFL football," that coach told The Athletic's Ben Standig. "He can read (defenses), throw accurately, is quick and has a strong enough arm. He's more of a sure thing to play in the NFL, but I'm not sure where he goes from here because he doesn't have the same upside."

Another scout offered a differing take.

"I think (Bo) Nix is much better than Penix," the scout said. "Penix is serviceable and a different player when he's playing on schedule. But he's not a good foot athlete, and I worry about him when he gets traffic in his face."

Welcome to draft season, folks, where opinions and projections flow like wine and are spread freely for your consumption. Enjoy the feast.