Mel Kiper Jr. gives first-round grade on Michael Penix Jr.

Following his Pro Day workout with the Washington Huskies, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has risen in the eyes of ESPN’s top NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. On First Draft this week, Kiper explained why he now believes Penix could go in the first round later this month after initially raising concerns about his durability.

“A lot of different opinions on where he could go,” Kiper said. “If you’re okay with the medical, that’s the big thing, if you’re okay with the shoulder and knee issues at Indiana, the way he played two years at Washington, his accuracy when he gets time, off-platform throws, it’s not really his forte, but clean pocket… wouldn’t be shocked if he went in the top 15.

“You’ve got Minnesota at 11, Denver at 12, someone could trade from the second into the late first round to get him. If he dropped into the second like Will Levis did, it wouldn’t shock me. I’m going to be a guy thinking about first-round somewhere for Michael Penix Jr.”

Penix projected as late first-round, early second-round selection

According to Kiper, Penix’s first-round hopes depend on a team overlooking his injury history, as well as his age. He dealt with injuries during his time at Indiana before transferring to Washington ahead of the 2022 season. Penix tore his ACL in 2018 and again in 2020.

NFL analyst Joel Klatt believes that Penix has put the injury concerns to bed after two successful seasons with the Huskies, however.

“Think to yourself, ‘Okay, he has stood in the pocket two straight years on a team that was completely reliant on him throwing the football,” Klatt said. “He has made every start in those two years and just led them to the national championship game’. So, at some point, you’ve got to say to yourself that he’s over the injury concerns.”

Penix, 23, is coming off an outstanding season with the Huskies. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind winner Jayden Daniels. He threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 65.4% passing.

Penix led Washington to an undefeated regular season and Pac-12 Championship, and helped the Huskies defeat Texas, 37-31, in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Washington failed to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, falling to Michigan, 34-13. He threw for 255 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions in that loss.