"Kaden Elliss was licking his chops going into training camp last year. The Atlanta Falcons' inside linebacker knew a rookie, first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., was running the second-team offense. In camp practices, the Falcons typically have the first-team defense face the second-team offense, and vice versa. And for Elliss, Penix would be a sacrificial lamb for the Atlanta defense while he got up to speed on the NFL."
""I was like, 'Yes, I'm about to get my hands on a bunch of interceptions -- I'm about to make a bunch of big plays,'" Elliss said. Then, something weird happened. Penix operated like a veteran, rarely making errant throws, airing out passes down the field and keeping his interceptions to a minimum. "I didn't get him once all training camp, and he just didn't do ill-advised things, but he still let his arm talent show every single day," Elliss said."
Kaden Elliss entered training camp expecting to exploit rookie Michael Penix Jr. when the second-team offense faced the first-team defense. Penix demonstrated veteran-like poise, rarely making errant throws while still showcasing downfield arm strength. Elliss failed to intercept or force mistakes in training camp because Penix combined decision-making with physical talent. The Falcons drafted Penix eighth overall in 2024 despite signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a large guaranteed contract weeks earlier. The drafting decision surprised the league and reflected the organization's belief in Penix's blend of arm ability and football intelligence.
Read at ESPN.com
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