NFL OC: Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. Has 'Top-5 Arm' Right Now amid Justin Herbert Comp

The Atlanta Falcons surprised the NFL world a bit by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, but many coaches around the league are high on the Heisman Trophy finalist.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, evaluators compared Penix to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and an offensive coordinator said he could have a top-five arm in the league.

"I had an offensive coordinator tell me that Penix will be a top-five arm in the NFL," Rapoport said. "Right now, this is someone they love. If he doesn't play for the next two years and is a starter for 10 years, this is a pretty good pick for Atlanta and that is what they're banking on.""

Penix had outstanding numbers through his final two college seasons. Last year, he had 4,903 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Huskies to a national championship appearance.

Penix is certainly talented, but the pick was a surprise given the Falcons' current quarterback situation. Atlanta gave veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal this offseason and the team seemed set at the position.

But the move to draft Penix could pay off in a few years. Cousins, 35, is likely nearing the end of his career, so drafting a quarterback to learn under him for a few years and eventually take over the reins would likely set Penix up for success.