Yahoo Sport 
- Associated Press
QB Penix hears from Cousins, Vick after landing with Falcons as NFL draft first-round surprise pick
Michael Penix Jr., the biggest surprise of the NFL draft's first round, received a congratulatory call from Kirk Cousins on Thursday night even as Cousins' agent was second-guessing the Atlanta Falcons adding depth to their quarterback spot. Penix described the chat with Cousins as “a very good conversation,” but would not say what was discussed. Penix may have been more excited by Friday's text message from another left-handed Falcons quarterback named Michael.
Atlanta Draft Picks
Michael
Penix Jr.
1
Rnd
8
Pk
QB
Position
- Draft Grade: F
- Pre-Draft Rank: 70
- School: Washington
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 213
Expert Commentary
First F of the day! What is going on in Atlanta? This pick makes absolutely no sense. The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins and are now drafting a six-year college starter to sit behind him for two years? What sense does that make? Penix isn't the cleanest prospect and he has injury concerns. We'll find out what this looks like when he sees the field in 2026 or 2027.
Ruke
Orhorhoro
2
Rnd
3
Pk
DT
Position
- Draft Grade: C-
- School: Clemson
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 294
Expert Commentary
Orhorhoro has some nice traits where he’ll have the chance to grow and develop into a nice, disruptive player, but it’s a little interesting that the Falcons felt like they needed to trade up for him. Perhaps their bet on his upside works, but it just didn’t seem like they needed to give up draft capital to pick him right outside the first round.
Bralen
Trice
3
Rnd
10
Pk
DE
Position
- Draft Grade: A
- Pre-Draft Rank: 54
- School: Washington
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 245
Expert Commentary
Trice has real starter ability and the Falcons still need an edge rusher. Trice has a chance to become a solid rotational level player at the least, which is hard to find at edge at this point in the draft.
4
Rnd
9
Pk
5
Rnd
8
Pk
6
Rnd
10
Pk
6
Rnd
11
Pk
6
Rnd
21
Pk
NFC South Table
| W | L | T | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | |
| 2 | 15 | 0 | .118 |
- y
- - Clinched Division