Former NFL player describes the Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix Jr. as “selfish”, due to three key important things.
The Atlanta Falcons made headlines in the NFL world on Thursday night by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft, shortly after securing Kirk Cousins with a significant contract.
Former NFL player Ross Tucker, also a CBS analyst, criticized the Falcons’ decision during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” on Friday, labeling it as “selfish” and “disrespectful.”
“When faced with uncertainty in the NFL, in my experience, decision-makers tend to prioritize choices they believe serve their own interests in terms of job security or preservation,” Tucker explained. “I think, at some point, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris had a conversation where they realized, ‘With Kirk Cousins, we’re likely to perform well in the next few years. The NFC South isn’t particularly strong. We could win the division, make the playoffs.'”
“But by drafting Penix now,” Tucker continued, “they’re establishing a succession plan for Year 3 or 4, ensuring Arthur Blank won’t dismiss them before Penix has had at least a season or two.”
Tucker suggested that the Falcons leadership “secured a four-year window” to assess their potential with Penix on board.
