Former IU football QB Michael Penix a ‘dark horse’ first round pick for 2024 NFL Draft

Michael Penix played four years with the IU football program and despite having success, his breakout season came last year.

After transferring out of the IU football program, Penix went to a comfortable spot — committing to Washington. His comfort was with former Indiana offensive coordinator and current Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer. Penix spent his freshman season at IU with DeBoer and threw for 1,394 yards in six games with a completion percentage of 68.8.

In his first year with the Huskies, Penix was second in the country in passing yards (4,641) and threw 31 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He was just the second player in Washington history to throw for over 4,000 yards.

He helped lead Washington to an 11-2 record.

Now, despite being an expected early-round draft pick in 2023, Penix is a ‘dark horse’ first round sleeper for the 2024 NFL Draft. 

“Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr is one of my favorite guys to keep an eye on after a super productive 2022 season in his first year under Kalen Deboer at Washington,” 247Sports college football writer Blake Brockermeyer wrote. “I was expecting him to come out after last season but it appears he, and likely the NFL, think further development could be good for him. The southpaw lit up the scoreboard at U-Dub, throwing for 4,641 yards and 31 touchdown passes.

“Penix is able to move the pocket in both directions and can make all the throws to the field that the NFL is looking for. He has a lightning-quick release and does not take long to get rid of the ball in rhythm. Penix Jr. is poised to have a big year as Washington returns an impressive receiving unit. I’m looking for his accuracy to improve a little and see improved consistency on his deeper throws.”

In 2022, Penix threw for 300+ yards in 10 of the 13 games he played. He had two games with 485+ yards.

The biggest knock on the former IU football signal caller with his durability. At Indiana, he suffered a season-ending injury every season.

After putting together a full season at Washington, there is no question he is an NFL talent.

In four years for Indiana, Penix threw for 4,1497 yards and 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. His best season was in 2020, helping lead the Hoosiers to a No. 9 ranking in the AP Poll and a 6-2 record.

He threw for 1,645 yards, 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions in six games. His best games was a 491-yard performance at Ohio State, including five touchdowns and one interception. He suffered a torn ACL against Maryland.

Most mock drafts have Penix as a late first round or early second round draft pick.

SEE ALSO: Five IU football players who could make way on 2024 NFL Draft radar

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