NFL coaches make bold Michael Penix Jr. draft claims

At least one AFC assistant coach believes that Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should be placed in the draft tier just beneath the one occupied by former USC Trojans star Caleb Williams. 

"The second-best quarterback in the draft, just as a pure film evaluation, is Michael Penix," that coach told NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero for a piece published Friday. 

Penix's injury history is the biggest reason his draft stock remains a polarizing topic less than one week before the player-selection process gets underway. Specifically, he tore his right anterior cruciate ligament twice and suffered injuries to both shoulders in college. 

"I'm a f------ coach, dude," the AFC assistant told Pelissero about Penix. "I don't give a s--- about that. I think he's got the biggest 'it' factor. He stands in the pocket and makes throws consistently. ...To me, he's the guy. He plays with a ton of confidence. His guys love him."

While others who spoke with Pelissero understandably voiced concerns about Penix's ability to stay healthy, an NFC offensive coordinator told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer he'd rank Penix and Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers as "2A" and "2B" behind only Williams. The Chicago Bears are expected to draft Williams first overall, and the Washington Commanders may take Daniels at No. 2.  

"I just think as far as a thrower, coming in, he’ll be a top-five pure arm talent in the NFL," that coordinator said about Penix. "...I think he’s kind of that next guy, in terms of what he can do with his arm. It’s quick. It’s powerful. There’s not a part of the field that he can’t touch. I think from a pure arm standpoint, it is pretty special with what he can do." 

It was reported on Friday morning that the Las Vegas Raiders could draft Penix with the 13th overall pick if the Denver Broncos don't grab him at No. 12. Some have suggested a team with a top-six selection could trade down, acquire additional assets and draft Penix via the 11th choice. 

"Penix is my No. 2 guy," a different coordinator told Breer. "I love Penix. I think he’s a stud. He’s a born leader, cool, calm and collected in a genuine way. ...Everyone we had around him loved him. He was A-plus, smart, crushed it on the board. With his personality, he’s not afraid of the challenge." 

It seems a lock that Williams, Daniels, Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels and J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines will all be drafted before Penix. DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Raiders as the betting favorites to land Penix next Thursday night at +260 odds as of Friday afternoon, but one wonders if Las Vegas may have to trade up to get him if individuals working for a club with a top-12 pick view him as the draft's second-best quarterback.