3 reasons why the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Penix Jr. will continue to be criticized

The Atlanta Falcons spent the 8th overall pick on a player expected to sit on the bench for the next two years. For reference from the 2017 season, Christian McCaffrey, Roquan Smith, TJ Hockenson, Isaiah Simmons, Jaycee Horn, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson are the previous 8th overall picks.

Outside of Simmons, every player is at worst a starter and key contributor for their current teams. The recent ceiling has been that of a franchise player like Smith or McCaffrey. The downside was, at worst, the addition of a key starter like Horn or London.

Atlanta is in dire need of depth defensively and could have used this pick to add a contributor at receiver or tight end. Tackle should also be considered a possible need with Matthews aging and McGary a question mark.

Atlanta dedicates a top-ten pick to a player who will sit on the bench for two years if he is well outside the pick’s typical value. If the Falcons were a stacked playoff team that was in the top ten, this would make a lot more sense.

Spending a top ten pick on a position you just spent over $180 million on is naturally going to continue to raise questions.