Michael Penix Likes Idea of Being Drafted By Jets
It's an advantage that not every rookie can have.
Washington Huskies' quarterback Michael Penix Jr. acknowledged that joining the New York Jets would give him an opportunity to learn behind one of the most-accomplished professionals to ever play the position.
While speaking to ESPN 98.7 FM Radio's Jake Asman, the draft prospect responded to a question about potentially winding up as Aaron Rodgers's understudy.
"Being able to pick Aaron Rodgers's brain— a Hall of Famer, one of the best to ever do it in the sport —that would be amazing to be able to be around him, said Penix. "Any opportunity I'll be super blessed for and I'm gonna make the most of it."
Rodgers, who has passed for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns over his storied career, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury four offensive snaps into the 2023 season opener. Without the future Hall-of-Famer, the Jets finished next-to-last in yards per pass play (4.86).
During Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas, Jets' owner Woody Johnson publicly stated the team's need for a reliable backup quarterback in the 2024 season. With former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson entering the final year of his rookie contract. New York could opt to trade the beleaguered quarterback in the offseason.
Rather than spend the No. 10 overall selection on a quarterback, the Jets may target a battle-tested veteran in free agency. Drafting a developmental option on Day 3 is also a plausible outcome.
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The 23-year-old Penix's draft profile suggests that the 2023 Maxwell Award winner will likely be available after Round 1 although there's always a chance a team can reach for a quarterback earlier than expected.
Penix has been the most prolific passer in the NCAA Power 5 over the past two seasons. The Heisman Trophy runner-up broke his own school record by throwing for 4,903 yards over a 15-game sample in 2023.
The 6-2 Penix, who led the nation in pass yards and pass yards per game two years in a row, won the Sugar Bowl MVP award for the 430-yard passing effort that propelled Washington into the CFP Championship Game.
