2024 NFL Draft: Michael Penix Jr’s Potential Sleeper Team Predicted as Analyst Reveals Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer’s High Praise for Washington QB

Michael Penix Jr. had a standout season playing for Washington in college, by passing for 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was even a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. And now after a spectacular college phase, Penix is set to join the NFL, entering the NFL 2024 Draft.

But which team will be most suitable for the Washington QB? Bleacher Report’s NFL insider, Jordan Schultz, disclosed three teams that might find a perfect coordination with Penix Jr. in the league. Out of these three, one sleeper team stands out as the game-changer for Penix.

Michael Penix Jr. could be a Rams?

In a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Jordan Schultz joined the podcast team to discuss the 2024 NFL Draft and give his prediction on the potential team of Michael Penix Jr. The NFL insider said, “I think these three or four teams to watch out for Penix would be Seattle, Atlanta, potentially a sleeper would be the Rams.” Talking about his stock boost at the Combine, Schultz further added, “He measured 6-foot-2 and change, he also measured a 6-foot-9 wingspan, and measured the biggest hand size of any non-lineman at the combine … Absolute monster hand-wise.”

While revealing Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s praise for Penix, the Bleacher reporter said, “And you go back to what Kalen DeBoer told me as head coach, who you know well, talked to him yesterday, said he was one of the single best leaders he’s ever seen in his life, regardless of sport.” DeBor and Penix worked together for one year in 2019 at Indiana, when the coach was in the role of the offensive coordinator. And that’s why he knows why the quarterback would be one of the best leaders in any team he joins.

Therefore, the Rams, who are in need of a leader, especially considering the growing age of their QB Matthew Stafford (36), Penix could be a great option for the franchise.

Is Michael Penix Jr. indeed a great fit for the Rams?

The Rams are gearing up for the NFL Draft in April, holding the 19th pick and plenty of options. They’ve seen some great performances from young players on offense and have invested heavily in their defense, giving them the flexibility to make big moves. With QB Matthew Stafford not getting younger, the Rams might consider drafting a new quarterback, even though some might argue against using such a high pick on a backup.

One potential option is Michael Penix Jr., who has impressed with his skills and leadership on the field. Penix has shown he’s adept at throwing deep passes and playing within the team’s structure, but he does have some weaknesses, like struggling when things get chaotic and facing multiple injuries. Despite these concerns, Penix’s talent and leadership qualities make him an attractive prospect for teams like the Rams, who are looking for a reliable quarterback to lead their team.

With head coach Sean McVay guiding the decision-making process, Rams fans can be hopeful about the team’s future, even if drafting Penix might not be the most conventional choice.

Read more: 2024 NFL Draft Odds: Vikings Favored to Secure JJ McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. in Upcoming Draft