Falcons' Michael Penix Jr selection after Kirk Cousins signing 'little bit odd,' former NFL coach says

Former NFL head coach Jay Gruden appears on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich" to talk the Atlanta Falcons' draft drama.

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the NFL world on Thursday night when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick after signing Kirk Cousins.

Penix will likely start the season as Cousins’ backup. The former Minnesota Vikings star signed a four-year contract with the Falcons in March, reportedly worth $180 million. The Penix pick on top of the deal made many fans and analysts confused.

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Atlanta Falcons first round draft choice quarterback Michael Penix Jr. holds a Falcons jersey during a news conference on Friday, April 26, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

On Monday, former Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden appeared on OutKick’s "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" and gave his expert opinion on what the Falcons did. Gruden was in a similar situation in 2012, when Washington took Robert Griffin III No. 2 overall and later selected Cousins in the fourth round. 

Gruden was forced to navigate that tricky situation. The difference for the Falcons is that Cousins is exiting the prime of his career, and Penix could be the quarterback of the future.

"I think this way, what the Falcons did this year, is a little bit odd to me, especially with all the needs they had on defense," Gruden told Dakich. "They had the pick of the litter on defense as far as pass rush is concerned.

"But it just shows the desperation teams have for finding the quarterback of the future. You gotta find him. You gotta continue to hunt for them. If you feel like you got one there and you can get him in your building, you gotta take a