Michael Penix Jr. Draft Profile | Washington, QB Scouting Report

A Heisman Trophy hopeful, Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has even more to gain this college football season. Penix is looking to rise up 2024 NFL Draft boards. We’re diving into Penix’s scouting report for next year’s NFL Draft.

Michael Penix Jr. Draft Profile and Measurements

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 221
• Position: Quarterback
• School: Washington
• Current Year: Senior

After flashing major potential initially at Indiana in 2019, Penix struggled with injuries and consistency before landing at Washington in 2022. Penix immediately found comfort with the Huskies, completing 65.3% of passes for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns with only eight interceptions.

Michael Penix Jr. Scouting Report

Strengths

• Penix is an excellent decision-maker who rarely puts the ball in harm’s way because he sees the field well.
• Solid accuracy that hasn’t always been reflected in his stats because he’s testing tight windows for contested catches.
• Penix has improved his passing motion throughout his career to use more touch when he has to throw over defenders.
• Dissects defenses pre-snap as well as any passer in the country. He knows where to go with the ball before progressing through more than his first post-snap read.
• Gives his playmakers the chance to finish at the catch point, showing trust and getting the ball into their frame.
• Subtle footwork in the pocket buys him enough time to find a clean passing window.
• Has overcome adversity to become a star player.

Weaknesses

• Penix lacks plus arm strength, leaving cross-field passes hanging and deep attempts vulnerable for defenders to get into position to play.
• Is not a rushing threat outside of being near the goal line. Has relatively slow feet and lacks the agility and burst to make defenders miss in space.
• Penix’s up-and-down nature throughout his career has included mechanical breakdowns and erratic decision-making when negative plays start to avalanche.
• Has had four season-ending injuries, including torn ACLs in 2018 and 2020, and shoulder injuries in 2019 and 2021. These have affected his athleticism and power.
• More reliant on his playmakers than other top quarterbacks, as a subpar supporting cast won’t win jump balls or create after the catch as effectively.
• Closer to a game manager than a dynamic playmaker who can carry an offense.
• Turns 24 before the start of the 2024 NFL season.

Current Draft Projection and Summary

Overcoming a slew of injuries that could have given him a career filled with “what ifs,” Penix finally fully realized his talent level in 2022. Washington’s offense provided him with an elite offensive line and set of receivers, allowing Penix to reach new heights. He led the country in passing yards in 2022, throwing only 22 passes fewer than he had in four years at Indiana.

Penix closely resembles Teddy Bridgewater, except he’s left-handed. Compared to NFL starters, Penix has a thinner frame that is not overly athletic and lacks good arm strength. But he plays to his strengths as well as anyone, mitigating the lack of velocity or creative juices that would expose the offense to mistakes.

MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist

He’ll need playmakers who either easily separate or dominate at the catch point to be a serviceable NFL starter. Penix’s physical traits are limiting enough to usurp his draft stock into the early Day 3 range, and his injury history will be a major factor for some teams.

Still, Penix has the mental processing and awareness of his own limitations to carve out a long career as a great backup.