Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Ja'Lynn Polk #2 of the Washington Huskie
Last week, the New York Giants dispatched a significant contingent of coaches and front-office executives to observe Washington players during their pro day. Of particular interest was Michael Penix, Washington’s left-handed quarterback, who garnered attention for his recent National Championship appearance and impressive season performance.
Penix represents a potential option for the Giants to consider in the upcoming draft, particularly as they evaluate their quarterback needs. However, there are notable concerns surrounding his candidacy that warrant careful consideration. Chief among these is Penix’s extensive injury history, which includes two torn ACLs, a clavicle fracture, and an A/C joint separation in his throwing arm.
Despite these past setbacks, Penix has managed to remain injury-free for the past two seasons, indicating a potential resurgence and a clean bill of health as he transitions to the NFL.
It’s essential to acknowledge the influence of the MetLife Stadium turf on player injuries, which introduces an additional layer of caution when assessing Penix’s durability. Furthermore, Penix’s status as a left-handed quarterback presents a unique challenge for the Giants, particularly concerning the protection of his blindside. With the recent investment in Andrew Thomas to secure the left tackle position, Penix’s arrival would necessitate a shift in strategy to accommodate his position, potentially impacting the stability of the right tackle spot.
The Giants currently lack a definitive starter at right tackle, despite the acquisition of Jermaine Eluemunor to address the position. Until the team can demonstrate an improvement in pass protection, they remain vulnerable in this aspect of the game, which may factor into their decision-making process regarding Penix’s potential addition to the roster.
Evaluating Michael Penix: Pros and Cons for the New York Giants.
However, Penix had a remarkable season, amassing 4,906 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His downfield accuracy and big-play ability were particularly impressive. Nevertheless, approaching 24 years old, he would be relatively mature for a rookie quarterback, potentially limiting his room for growth at the NFL level, especially considering his lack of mobility. While he showcased a commendable 40-yard dash time at Washington’s pro day, this metric doesn’t necessarily correlate with pocket mobility or the ability to extend plays.
Critically, Penix encounters significant challenges when forced out of the pocket, a scenario frequently faced by quarterbacks behind the Giants’ offensive line. In the NFL, mobility and the capability to throw on the move are essential attributes, traits possessed by most elite quarterbacks. While Penix excels in the pocket and exhibits superb pre-snap processing skills, using a draft selection on an injury-prone left-handed quarterback presents inherent risks.
To summarize, the Giants cannot afford to replace Daniel Jones with another quarterback plagued by similar injury concerns. Instead, they must seek a young player with a clean bill of health to reset the position. While this may pose challenges, particularly with the team holding the sixth overall selection, it’s a reality they must confront. Considering Penix in the second round might be justifiable, but a first-round pick should be unequivocally ruled out.
