After the top three quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, who are expected to be the first three overall picks, there is another group of signal-callers that are also very intriguing and could be where the Las Vegas Raiders look to add to the position. Perhaps the one who isn’t getting as much attention, for some reason, is Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
Penix was the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up but was a First-Team All-American and Maxwell Award winner after throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the Huskies to the CFP National Championship Game.
Penix recently wowed everyone in attendance at the University of Washington Pro Day, both with his arm and feet. Following the performance, the quarterback revealed that he has a handful of visits coming up, one of which is with the Raiders via Brady Henderson of ESPN:
Afterward, Penix was seen chatting with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Penix told ESPN that he has pre-draft visits scheduled with the Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers beginning next week.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce recently mentioned the running ability of Jayden Daniels as making him stand out. But Penix ran an unofficial sub-4.6 40-yard dash, showing teams he has the capability to take off but simply prefers to throw the ball.
Penix’s talent is not in question, but his issue has been injuries. His college career started at Indiana, but he suffered multiple major injuries, including a pair of torn ACLs. Once he transferred to Washington, there were no more issues, and he was able to show the world what he could do. Now, he plans on doing the same in the NFL, perhaps with the Raiders.
The Raiders are looking for that franchise quarterback, and maybe Penix is that guy. At this moment, choosing him at 13th overall might be a reach, but there is also no guarantee he will be available when the Raiders pick in the second round so the team may have a decision to make if they view him as their guy.
Raiders’ Davante Adams posts Jayden Daniels picture on Instagram story
The Raiders could also decide to move up in the draft for a quarterback and rumors have continued to circulate linking them to LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Star wide receiver Davante Adams recently added a little fuel to that fire as well.
Adams shared a photo of Daniels on his Instagram story along with the caption Daniels put on it which stated “my résumé speaks for itself.” With the belief that the Raiders are a team to watch to move up in the draft, this will only further put the focus on Daniels as their target.