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Is Michael Penix Jr. the most polarizing quarterback prospect ever?
He has a strong case.
Appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Bruce Feldman of The Athletic suggested some people in the NFL think he’ll ultimately be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Others think — ready for this? — he could go undrafted.
Feldman is one of the most plugged-in, no-nonsense college football reporters in the country, so such a profound statement based on what he’s hearing carries significant weight at the outset of the pre-draft process.
Wide disparity of opinions on prospects are a core element of the NFL Draft. Disparity of opinion on a singular prospect is almost never that wide. Especially a quarterback.
In my scouting gradebook, I grade on what I witness on film and what transpires for prospects at the combine and pro days. Nothing else. Based on what Penix showcased at Washington in 2022 and 2023, he absolutely is a draftable prospect. In fact, my current, pre-combine grade is very close to the grade I had on current Titans quarterback Will Levis a year ago. So he’s well in the clear.
But Penix has three factors fighting against him. And any one, some or all of them could ultimately contribute to him slipping out of the draft completely. And they’re all connected.
At the end, I’ll give my final take on whether or not Penix will go undrafted.
Medicals
I’m starting with what I’ve always been told is the most overlooked but still vital portion of the NFL Combine. It’s also the most mysterious.
The medicals.
All prospects go through physicals by NFL doctors at the combine. Some teams have different thresholds for what they deem a medical red flag.
The vast majority of the 300-plus prospects at the combine each year are cleared by doctors. A few aren’t, and, sensibly, for certain teams, those prospects drop down the board. Sometimes, they’re removed completely.
And…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-draft-michael-penix-jr-and-the-wide-range-of-opinions-on-washingtons-polarizing-qb/
Author : Chris Trapasso
Publish date : 2024-02-01 16:53:11
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