Michael Penix Jr. NFL draft projections, according to latest expert mock drafts
Quarterbacks are always the hottest topic when it comes to NFL draft season. This year, they're especially at top of mind with so many teams in need. Four gunslingers are near-locks to hear their names called Thursday night but there could be as many as six – which would match an NFL draft record.
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is one of the quarterbacks outside of the top four but inside the top six. The 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up finished his college career with his best season yet, culminating in an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Yet the age of the nearly 24-year-old quarterback and his history of injuries may scare off NFL teams from drafting Penix in the first round. He may be a first-round quarterback but could just as easily fall to the second round.
Here's where draft analysts around the web see Penix landing in their latest mock drafts.
NFL MOCK DRAFT: Six QBs make first-round cut as trade possibilities remain
2024 NFL Draft: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: Las Vegas Raiders — No. 29 overall (projected trade with Detroit)
Davis writes: "Penix's past two seasons with the Huskies were sublime (67 TD passes, 19 INTs). The Heisman runner-up to Daniels last season, his performance against Texas in the CFP (430 yards, 2 TDs passing) was an all-timer, the southpaw lasering the ball over the field. His maturity and experiences are also plusses."
Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus: Minnesota Vikings — No. 34 overall (projected trade with New England)
Monson writes: "General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a finance background, which means diversifying and hedging. Minnesota shocks the NFL by selecting quarterbacks in the first and second." (Monson sent North Carolina QB Drake Maye to Minnesota in the first round.)
Jordan Reid, ESPN: Las Vegas Raiders — No. 44 overall
Reid writes: "This makes too much sense. Neither Aidan O'Connell nor Gardner Minshew are the Raiders' long-term answer at quarterback, and Penix could even find himself starting at some point during his rookie season. He isn't the most mobile QB prospect, but his deep ball is fantastic."
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Las Vegas Raiders — No. 10 overall (projected trade with New York Jets)
Sullivan writes: "The Raiders jump ahead of the Broncos to secure Penix and New York gains some capital without drastically moving down the board."
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Las Vegas Raiders — No. 33 overall (projected trade with Carolina)
2024 NFL DRAFT ORDER: Easy way to see every teams' picks from Rounds 1 to 7
2024 NFL Draft odds: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
According to latest NFL Draft odds from BetMGM, the Raiders are the favorites to draft Penix. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024.
Here's how the odds stack up for the various teams most likely to select Penix in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Raiders: +300
Vikings: +450
Broncos: +500
Seahawks: +600
Giants: +700
2024 NFL Draft: How to watch on cable TV and streaming
When: April 25-27, 2024
Where: Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, Detroit, Michigan
Cable: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
HOW TO WATCH: Catch all seven rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft with a fuboTV subscription
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Penix mock drafts: Latest predictions for 2024 NFL Draft
