2023 NFL Draft: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. is sneaking his way into the first-round conversation

Michael Penix Jr. is the best quarterback in college football you either haven’t heard much about or completely forgot. 

The Washington Huskies passer — and Indiana transfer — has scorched every defense he’s faced through four contests. He’s completed nearly 64% of his throws at 9.6 yards per attempt with 12 touchdowns and one interception. 

The dazzling start got me thinking — where is Penix as a prospect right now, and where is he potentially headed? 

For as much fun as it is to go crazy in the early going and instantly label a quarterback a first-round talent because of a highly productive beginning to a season, I always proceed with caution on this front because physical traits are often prioritized over statistics in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

However, while keeping that in mind, I’m also keenly aware of a fascinating phenomenon that seemingly occurs in every draft class, or, at least has been present recently — an out-of-nowhere quarterback rises into the first round. It’s happened in each of the last seven drafts. Quarterbacks, who before their final collegiate campaigns were widely viewed as middling mid-to-late-round prospects or maybe off the draft radar completely, ascended during the pre-draft process and ultimately heard their names called within the first 32 selections. 

Therefore, any spectacular start at quarterback must be closely examined to check if those ever-important “first-round traits” are there. After watching Penix it feels like they are. 

Let’s start simply. Here on an out-breaking route from the slot against Stanford. Notice the anticipation, sheer velocity, and ball placement from Penix. 

Laser beam. That’s a long throw, too, from the far hash mark close to the numbers on the other side of the field. 

How about the mustard on this touchdown against Michigan State? Seemingly surprised his receiver, the Spartans corner, and the cameraman.

Straight gas, homie. I love how, on this rollout, away from his natural momentum as a lefty, Penix took an extra second to set his feet, square his shoulders, and uncork a gorgeous throw with pinpoint accuracy deep down the field. 

Another illustration of his immense arm strength. 

That was 40 yards dropped into a bucket over the outstretched arms of the cornerback who actually had tight coverage on the vertical route. 

For as much as the first round is very much about physical traits,…