Atlanta Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr

The Atlanta Falcons pulled off the biggest shocker of the NFL draft Thursday night, taking Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick. And that stunned feeling extended to incumbent quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons made eight total picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Falcons selected eight players to their incoming rookie class: Michael Penix Jr., QB, No. 8 (first round) Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, No. 35 (second round) Bralen Trice, OLB, No. 74 (third round)

One of the, if not the, biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL Draft was the Atlanta Falcons selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. The shock came because the Falcons signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason to a four-year, $180 million deal.