Michael Penix Jr. is determined not to let his extensive injury history determine his chances of getting picked early in the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, the former Washington quarterback has taken proactive steps to inform potential teams, including the New York Giants , that he has overcome his injuries and is prepared to demonstrate it to anyone interested.
Penix missed four years due to injuries that ended his seasons during his time in college, which include two occasions of tearing his ACL in the right knee.
In an effort to dispel concerns about his durability in the professional league, Penix wrote a public letter to NFL general managers through The Players’ Tribune. In the letter, he expressed, “I constantly hear it. ‘He’s been injured, what if he gets injured again?’ Haven’t I already shown you what that looks like? Haven’t I played almost 2,000 times since my last injury? Since my 'fourth-season ending injury in 4 years’ that’s always brought up whenever my name is mentioned?”
Additionally, Penix cited examples of exceptional players from recent football history who overcame major injury setbacks and went on to excel, such as Thomas Davis, who made three Pro Bowls after tearing the same ACL thrice, and Frank Gore, who had a remarkable 16-year career at running back after tearing his ACL twice in college.
Ultimately, Penix emphasized, “I have no issue undergoing all the MRI’s and X-rays you request of me.”
The bold statements made by Penix may resonate with the Giants, who have emerged as an unexpected contender to pick him, possibly in the first round.
Giants ‘Like’ Left-Handed Alternative to Daniel Jones
The Giants might shake things up with the sixth overall pick by considering a left-handed alternative to Daniel Jones, as reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who has stated that he was informed in recent days of the Giants' interest in Penix, and their potential willingness to select him as high as No. 6.
If this seems far-fetched, Pat Leonard of The New York Daily News provided a detailed account of the extensive research the Giants have conducted on Penix, including sending “every critical person to Washington’s pro day, where they also had dinner with the Huskies QB.”
The Giants closely monitored Penix early in the pre-draft process, as “QB coach Shea Tierney worked with Penix Jr. on the field at both the Senior Bowl AND NFL Combine.”
Importantly, Leonard also highlighted how Giants’ GM “Joe Schoen seemed to suggest last week that the Giants were comfortable with Penix Jr.’s medical situation, indirectly noting that a player's positive response to surgeries and issues is a good sign.”
Penix is not one of the top four quarterbacks in this draft class, but the 23-year-old has garnered supporters, and the Giants appear to be firmly in that category. Nevertheless, there are reasons why the Giants should carefully consider drafting Penix early.
Michael Penix Jr. Would Pose a Risky 1st-Round Draft Pick for Giants
There’s no issue with Penix’s talent. He excelled for the Huskies, throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2023.
Those statistics were possible due to the type of arm strength and precise ball placement analyzed by NFL Matchup analyst Greg Cosell.
Jones may not be able to make these kinds of throws, but there are still reasons for the Giants to be careful with Penix. For example, a left-handed quarterback needs protection on his blindside from the right tackle.
That would mean Evan Neal , who has been struggling in his third year as a professional player, would become the most important member of an already questionable offensive line. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2022, Neal has had difficulty adjusting to the NFL, giving up nine sacks and facing 69 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
If a shaky Neal is tasked with protecting a injury-prone QB1 like Penix, every play would become a test of nerve control. One possibility is for the Giants to select an offensive tackle at No. 6, then trade back up into Round 1 to get the quarterback they want.
This scenario was outlined by New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy, who suggested Notre Dame lineman Joe Alt as a potential choice.
Alt is an an unnoticed choice to replace Neal, but the Giants need to be cautious about making too many moves in the draft. For one thing, Penix has other interested parties, including the Las Vegas Raiders, as reported by Jeremy Fowler.
The Giants also have many other urgent needs, particularly at wide receiver, cornerback, and running back.
Schoen might be wiser to reserve some of the prime draft capital for those positions instead of trading it for a quarterback prospect.
