The 2024 NFL Draft is one of the most diabolically stacked quarterback classes in recent memory. Not only are three quarterbacks expected to go in the top-three picks, but there are potentially three other quarterbacks who could go in the first round: Michigan‘s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon‘s Bo Nix, and Washington‘s Michael Penix Jr.
Penix is arguably the most divisive player of those three. Despite finishing second in Heisman voting last season, fans and experts alike cannot seem to agree on where Penix should be drafted. Some have him as a third-round prospect. Others believe the southpaw is a bona fide first-round talent. Some believe he’s a top-three quarterback in the draft class. Others believe he’s outside the top-five.
Here are the latest Penix predictions from around the internet.
2024 NFL Draft: Patrick Mahomes explains his involvement in Chiefs’ 2024 NFL Draft preparation
CBS Sports: Las Vegas Raiders (13th overall)
Garrett Podell and Jordan Dajani write, “Penix will certainly be available at pick 13, and if Las Vegas strikes out on trading up for LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who has a preexisting connection with head coach Antonio Pierce from their days at Arizona State together, Penix could be Las Vegas’ consolation prize. Like the Broncos, the Raiders could probably trade back a few spots and still end up with the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up.”
Pro Football Focus: Penix is a top-16 pick
Sam Monson writes, “I wrote about how the draft stock of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. seems to have been on a journey this year. With so many teams in need of a quarterback, virtually no scenario surrounding the top four on the consensus board would surprise at this point, but if there’s smoke to the fire of NFL coaches loving Penix, he could still force his way into the top half of the first round. The trio of teams in need of a starter from Pick Nos. 11-13 (Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas) could all be live options for Penix, and at least one team in the top 10 has coaches who are enamored with him as a prospect.”
NFL.com: Las Vegas Raiders (33rd overall)
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter believes that Penix will be the first pick of the second-round after the Las Vegas Raiders trade up with the Carolina Panthers. Reuter does not offer details on the trade but seems to believe the Raiders will be more than willing to give up a decent amount of capital to secure Penix if he falls out of the first round.
According to latest NFL Draft odds from BetMGM, the Las Vegas Raiders are the favorites to draft Penix. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024.
The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the best odds of landing Penix at +375. The Vikings (+475), Broncos (+500), Giants (+700), and Seahawks (+900) round out the top-five.
Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan
When: April 25-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN+; fuboTV
How to watch: Catch the NFL Draft this year with a subscription to fuboTV
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.