What is Michael Penix Jr.’s NFL draft projection? The Washington Huskies’ QB’s stats and combine performance

Michael Penix Jr. has played for two prestigious college football programs, Indiana and Washington, over his six-year senior journey. Standing at six feet three inches and weighing 218 pounds, Penix Jr. brings a blend of athleticism and precision to the quarterback position.

Despite his history of injuries, Penix Jr.’s athletic abilities remain impressive. He has a 4.64 40-time and a 35.5-inch vertical leap, which puts him in the top 86th and 89th percentiles for his position. Additionally, he has remarkable arm talent and can deliver precise throws in various situations, including tight-window throws that rank among the best in college football.

Stats and playing style analysis

During the season, Penix Jr completed 336 passes out of 504 attempts, achieving an impressive 66.7% completion rate. His total passing yards for the season were an astounding 4,648, averaging an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt, with 35 touchdowns.

In addition to his stellar performances, Penix Jr also demonstrated discipline in protecting the ball. He only threw 9 interceptions throughout the season, displaying his ability to minimize errors and maintain control of the game. His longest pass for the season stretched an impressive 92 yards.

Penix Jr.’s football IQ is his standout feature, and he can navigate through progressions seamlessly. His patience in hitting open routes sets him apart from his peers, displaying maturity and understanding of the game.

However, his throwing mechanics is unconventional. His throwing motion, described by some as a “beautiful disaster,” affects his release speed. The inconsistency in his footwork and mechanics, particularly when forced out of the pocket, presents challenges that he must address for sustained success at the professional level.

Combine performance

Penix opted not to participate in any of the testing workouts at the 2024 NFL Combine. But after passing medical evaluations, he took to the practice field where Penix proved to be one of the best throwers in the combine. His easy pace and drive velocity saw him breeze through drills that saw other QBs struggle, pushing throws outside the numbers.

Draft prospects

Looking forward to the NFL Draft, Penix Jr. must prove his ability to stay consistently healthy, as season-ending injuries, including ACL tears and a sprained AC joint, impaired his previous years.

Drawing comparisons to mobile left-handed quarterbacks like Steve Young, Penix Jr.’s playing style aligns with offensive schemes that leverage run-pass options and play action. His anticipatory throwing skills, resilience in high-pressure situations, and ability to extend plays mirror qualities seen in NFL stars like DeSean Watson and Russell Wilson.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, LA Rams, and Denver Broncos, may target Michael Penix Jr. as a potential long-term quarterback solution.

Michael Penix Jr. is a unique and talented prospect. While his injury history and unconventional mechanics raise concerns, his on-field performance and potential for growth make him a compelling prospect. The 2024 NFL Draft will ultimately be a test of team risk management, but Penix Jr.’s undeniable talent may well outweigh the perceived risks.

He could be a top 20 pick in the first round and ready to make his mark in the professional football arena.