Legendary Quarterback Warren Moon Praises Prospect, Will Houston Texans Draft?

The Houston Texans won't be drafting a quarterback early, but Oilers legend Warren Moon hopes someone pulls the trigger on Michael Penix Jr.

Feb 1, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Michael Penix Jr of Washington (9) throws with / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans are happy to be out of the quarterback market. In selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick in last year’s NFL Draft, Houston has set itself up for indefinite success, or at the very least, relevance.

The same can’t be said for several teams, especially in the top half of the first round. Teams looking for a franchise may find themselves trading into the top five but could be forced to settle – or wait until Day 2 – for their future under center.

If that’s the case, Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should make himself welcome.

Feb 1, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Michael Penix Jr of Washington (9) throws with / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, Houston legend and former Oilers quarterback Warren Moon showed his support for the passer at his pro day.

“Watched Michael Penix Jr. throw today at UW Pro day,” Moon tweeted. “What a display of arm talent! GO DAWGS!!”

His support shouldn’t be surprising. Moon spent the 1975-1977 seasons with Washington and seemingly still holds the university in high esteem. In 1977, he was the Pac-8 Player of the Year, throwing for 1,584 yards and 11 touchdowns and adding 266 more yards on the ground.

Penix, meanwhile, helped his stock with a pro day that saw him run a sub-4.60-second 40-yard dash, with the unofficial number set at 4.46 seconds. That’s a marked improvement from what he’s shown on the field (which should be trusted more than a drill) but showcased the athleticism that is at least there in some capacity.

The Washington quarterback was a Heisman finalist in 2023 and led his team to the national championship game, putting on display wicked arm talent. Few passers in this class found the same consistency downfield that Penix did, throwing to future top-10 pick Rome Odunze and two other receivers projected to go in the first three rounds.

When operating within structure, Penix is a safe distributor with the velocity to hit tight window throws. However, things get a little murky out of structure when he’s forced to move off his spot, something he attempted to disprove on Thursday.

Being a 24-year-old rookie with several season-ending injuries won’t do his stock well, but one couldn’t have asked for a better final collegiate season. 

As far as the Texans are concerned, seeing as many quarterbacks as possible go before their first selection – 42nd overall – would leave a better non-quarterback on the board, so Moon won’t be the only one rooting for a Penix selection come April.