NFL Rumors: 'Difficult to Find' Execs Who Get Falcons Pairing Kirk Cousins, Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons' draft strategy reportedly still remains something of a mystery around the NFL.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Tuesday that "it's been difficult to find front office decision-makers around the league who understand what the Falcons' actual plan was headed into this draft. Some even question their overall vision, considering most teams know by February if they are drafting a QB with their first pick. That was before free agency … and before the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins."

Atlanta seemed to lock down the quarterback position for the next few years when it signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, which made it all the more surprising when it selected Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick.

While Russini noted the Falcons said they wanted to capitalize on landing a quarterback this year since they do not think they will be drafting in the top 10 during the next two seasons, it was still an unusual approach.

Atlanta likely could have traded back and still ended up with Penix all while acquiring additional draft picks. It also could have used that No. 8 overall pick on a player with elite potential who could have helped its expected postseason push during the upcoming campaign.

There will also be other quarterbacks available in future years when the Cousins contract doesn't have as many seasons remaining.

Still, something about Penix jumped out.

"We knew in our heart if we had a lot of people in the building that loved him and expected him to be that player, and he's somewhere else, then that's unforgivable," general manager Terry Fontenot said, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

At least the Falcons now have some long-term security at the position with Cousins set to turn 36 years old before the 2024 campaign and coming off a significant Achilles injury, but they still confused other teams around the league.