Are NFL teams concerned with Michael Penix Jr. Injury History?

Michael Penix Jr. undoubtedly has what it takes to be an NFL-level quarterback. His talent has shown on the field, especially during his final college season at Washington. However, when it comes to grading him as an overall prospect, his injury history presents itself as a giant red flag, but how big of a deal is it?

Well, it’s a major deal. At least in Penix’s case. If people want to talk about Penix in the same conversation and guys like Bo Nix or JJ McCarthy, fail to consider how big of an issue an injury history is to a prospect. Both Nix and McCarthy have a very limited injury history in comparison to Michael Penix.

It would be extremely hard to find a team willing to gamble on a guy like Penix in the first round, let alone the top 15 as some projections say. A first-round pick is too hefty of a price to pay for a guy who has had one injury-free season. If Michael Penix couldn’t stay healthy in his college career, what makes people think he’ll be able to stay healthy when going against top-tier-level edge rushers? The Micah Parsons, TJ Watts, and Myles Garretts of the world are not going to let up on anyone, let alone a rookie. 

In my opinion, it’s far too risky to take an injury-ridden quarterback with your first pick in your draft. Quarterback as a position is risky enough, don’t overcomplicate things.