Falcons' Kyle Pitts reacts to shocking Michael Penix Jr pick in real time: 'I like this one'

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The Atlanta Falcons made the most shocking pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft, taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract earlier this offseason. 

During an NFL Draft live stream with Bleacher Report, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts learned of the Penix pick in real-time. While the entire panel for Bleacher Report, which included Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, were taken aback, Pitts had a positive reaction. 

"That’s a slinger right there, man," Pitts, the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2021, said. 

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Michael Penix Jr. of Washington prepares for a snap during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images))

Pitts explained his reasoning for why he said "this is a good one, I like this one" after hearing Penix’s name called. 

"Now, as a younger guy who loves to hang around older people, I think this is great for him to learn from such a professional like Kirk and see how he operates in the building on and off the field. He’s a great young player. I’ve been watching him," Pitts said. 

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Bleacher Report’s Adam Lefkoe followed up by asking if Pitts was shocked that Penix was the pick. 

FALCONS SELECT QUARTERBACK MICHAEL PENIX JR. IN DRAFT STUNNER AFTER SIGNING KIRK COUSINS

"I'm very shocked," he responded. "I’m not gonna lie. I did think we were going defense, I’m not going to lie. That definitely kind of changes the dynamic."

Parsons then said, "I did not see this coming. 

"I can agree with you, Micah," Pitts responded. "I