The Denver Broncos have moved on from Russell Wilson while absorbing the cap hit and are in the market for a new quarterback, as they have been since the 2016 season. They only have one on the roster at the moment, Jarrett Stidham.
With the 12th pick in the upcoming draft, the Broncos will have their pick of the liter from the tier two quarterbacks, such as Bo Nix, Michael Penix, and maybe even J.J. McCarthy. They need a guy who can help turn the franchise around and be the face of something the Broncos fan base can look forward to.
On Monday, it was reported that the Denver Broncos might soon have a top 30 visit with Michael Penix, the Washington quarterback who was a Heisman finalist a year ago.
Penix is A to Z Sports' 36th-overall prospect and the sixth-best prospect at the quarterback position on our big board. Here are some of his strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
- 94th percentile hand size
- Strong arm, aggressive pushing the ball downfield
- Throws with enough velocity to hit deep posts between 2-high
- Had the best game of his career in the CFB Semifinal vs. Texas
- Throws away from the coverage on back-shoulder fades
- Showed flashes of elite ball placement
- Flashed the ability to avoid pressure, maneuver the pocket, & reset his launch point
- 6.5% pressure-to-sack rate for his career
- Above average speed & acceleration
WEAKNESSES
- 6th-year Senior with a brutal injury history. Four consecutive season-ending injuries
- Limited arm elasticity. Struggles to make off-platform throws in the face of pressure
- Needs to throw with better touch over the middle of the field
- Low release point results in some batted passes
- Inconsistent deep accuracy. Missed high on a lot of throws & left big plays on the field
- Drifts backward in the pocket & creates easy angles for edge rushers
- Doesn't extend plays or create much outside of the pocket
- Rarely asked to make full-field reads or target the middle
- Production was inflated by jump-balls & 1-read sideline shots
- Locks onto his 1st read & doesn't see dropping zone coverage defenders
Penix may not be like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or even Drake May, but he does have the potential to be a great player. The Broncos need to take a shot on whoever they can at pick No. 12. If the top three guys aren't available, Penix may be the guy we see in the new Broncos uniforms.
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