Many teams will be looking for their next franchise quarterback in the draft at the end of this month. But only a select few are in good position to get one of the top prospects. For the rest of the teams, they must take a bit of a risk if they want a QB.
Few other quarterbacks in this year’s draft are considered more of a risk-reward player than Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. He has tantalizing arm talent and an impressive resume, but also a worrisome injury history. And he’ll turn 24 in May.
For which jersey the oddsmakers have him holding up on draft night, we go to BetMGM, which has the Vikings and Raiders as the most likely destinations.
Penix hype train is starting. Latest team odds to draft him
• Vikings: +275
• Raiders: +350
• Broncos: +500
• Seahawks: +600
• Giants: +1200 pic.twitter.com/NpaJxBpwiT— BetMGM
(@BetMGM) April 1, 2024
The Vikings are the first QB-needy team outside the top 10. They pick at No. 11. Adding to the likelihood is that they have a second pick in the first round (No. 23). So if Penix were not selected in the top half of the first round, they may have another shot at him on Day 1.
Next up are the Broncos at No. 12, but the oddsmakers don’t like them to land Penix as much as the Raiders at No. 13. Then it’s the Seahawks at No. 16, which would make him a local favorite.
What I read from this is the oddsmakers think Penix will come off the board in the top half of the first round. And if that were the case, a trade down by the Raiders, or an attempt to trade back up into the bottom part of the first round to get Penix, may mean they miss out on him.
The only other QB in this draft after Penix who is considered a fringe first-round pick is Oregon’s Bo Nix.