This year more than ever, the abnormally large ratio of quarterbacks picked compared to others was especially evident. Picks 1, 2, and 3. All QBs. Pick 8, for whatever reason, was a QB, and truthfully was the main reason this is being written. 2 more would come in the next 4 picks, with one of them being a projected day 2-3 pick. So, yes it makes sense that the most important position on the field would be picked more than others, but why reach so much for 1) someone you don't even need or 2) someone you could have gotten later in the draft?
Exhibit 1: The Falcons. They signed QB Kirk Cousins to a huge deal, arguably too huge for someone coming off an injury at the age of 35, but whatever. Going into the draft, they were the favorites to win a weak NFC South Division, and were just in need of defensive help. With the 8th overall pick, everyone thought they would take the first defensive prospect, which made sense, right? Nope. Instead of the obvious choice, GM Terry Fontenot went with Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington. The problems with this selection are as followed: 1) They don't need a QB, 2) He's not the top QB available, 3) THEY DON'T NEED A QB.
Exhibit 2: Bo Nix. The Broncos, after getting rid of Russell Wilson early in free agency, took Nix 12th overall. I understand the thought process here, but will never agree with it. This team, even with the right QB, is not built to win now. Russell Wilson, believe it or not, didn't play that bad last year. Instead, he showed that there were other holes on the roster. It is certainly not a team built for a 24 year old rookie to shine with.
So, their choices were to either improve their team at a slightly less important position or take a flyer on an already-aging QB who has likely had most of his progression come in college, and only had one truly good year. You'll never guess what they chose.
It just doesn't make sense. Highly paid NFL General Managers are forgetting self control and jumping at the first QB they see. It makes more sense for teams in the middle of a rebuild with high picks, (Bears, Commanders, Patriots) but for a team like the Falcons or Broncos that have other needs that could push them into contention? Why gamble when you could give yourself a sure thing at another position?
Eli Knight
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