The Denver BroncosThe team's intentions for their 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft are still unknown.
Many prediction drafts propose that they trade down from that position and choose the former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Other forecasts, like The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s April 4 version , suggest that Denver will stay put and pick a defensive player like cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
But if the Broncos are contemplating choosing a quarterback in the first round, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani and Garrett Podell suggest that Michael Penix Jr. would be a good option. They stated in their April 4 article:
“It would be exciting to see Penix’s throws in the high-altitude environment of the Mile High City and to see him collaborate with Sean Payton. … If Denver can't move up into the top five, they may potentially trade back a few spots in the first round and then select Penix if they feel that the 12th pick is a bit too early. He clearly wants to play for Payton.”
Besides the Broncos, the article also mentioned the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders as good fits for Penix.
Michael Penix Jr. is a captivating prospect despite his previous injuries, thanks to his outstanding arm strength. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein observed that Penix’s “wrist flick sends it 50-plus yards effortlessly.”
This ability allowed him, the 2022 Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year recipient, to complete 65.35 percent of his passes for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns in two seasons with the Washington Huskies.
Penix exhibited his throwing talent at Washington’s pro day on March 28. As ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported in an article released the same day, “During his final throw on Thursday, Michael Penix Jr. concluded his performance at the University of Washington pro day by launching a deep ball that traveled approximately 75 yards in the air for a successful completion.”
Aside from his arm strength, Penix displayed athletic ability at his pro day. Henderson remarked, “Penix also achieved a 36.5-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches — both superior to any other quarterback at the combine.”
Broncos Welcomed Michael Penix Jr. to a Top-30 Visit
GettyMichael Penix Jr. at the 2023 Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony
As 9News’ Mike Klis published on April 3, “Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. visited with Denver Broncos coaches and personnel staff Tuesday at team headquarters.”
While there are no specific details on what transpired during his Top-30 visit, SBNation Mile High Report’s Scotty Payne describes what typically happens by writing, “Each NFL team in the days and weeks before the start of the NFL Draft is allowed to invite up to 30 different prospects to come in for what amounts to a job interview. From there, they will work them out, show them the facility, meet with coaches, and essentially have a job interview.”
However, it’s not the first time the Broncos have contacted Penix. As The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel wrote in his April 3 article, Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton attended Penix’s pro day in Seattle and met him during the Senior Bowl in February at Mobile, Alabama.
But even if Penix was impressive during his pro day, his injury history will be a concern that will be difficult to overcome. However, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller believes that it should not be a concern. Instead, he thinks the 2023 First Team All-American quarterback should receive more attention than another rising quarterback prospect.
“I think he should get ahead of J.J. McCarthy, but it doesn’t sound like he will because of the medical issue. I would out of sheer talent. (Penix) finds passing lanes. He’s like a cat in the pocket. He’s got quick feet to move around. … He does not get sacked. He processes very quickly, and he can find the open receiver,” Miller said, as Klis wrote in his April 1 article for 9News.
Brian Baldinger Thinks Broncos Should Prefer Michael Penix Jr. Over Bo Nix
GettyQuarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix
Nix is a quarterback prospect often associated with the Broncos, especially if they stay put at No. 12. However, if NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger had his way, Denver must pay attention to Penix’s progression at Washington.
“I think it almost works against him (Nix) playing 61 (games). I don’t think playing 12 games like Mitch Trubisky or Anthony Richardson is the answer, but I think somewhere where you can see steady growth, like in Penix. Okay, you leave Indiana, you go to Washington and start 27 games, you stay healthy, and you see this meteoric rise, and his level just goes up, up, up. I didn’t see that from Bo,” Baldinger said during the April 4 episode of the “DNVR Broncos Podcast.”
While Nix had better completion percentages, he never defeated his fellow 2023 Heisman Trophy finalist in three games. In 2022, the Ducks lost to the Huskies despite having home field advantage. Last year, Oregon fell to Washington in Seattle and in the Pac-12 Championship Game in Allegiant Stadium.
