ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have made their selection in the first round of the NFL Draft.
With the eighth pick, the Falcons drafted University of Washington Quarterback Michael Penix.
He'll be joining Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris in his first season leading the team after a disappointing 7-9-0 season. That led to the firing of former head coach Arthur Smith after three seasons as head coach.
But now, the 6 foot 3 inch Penix will be joining the roster. He is originally from Tennessee, and he was a Heisman trophy finalist.
It also comes after the Falcons hired Kirk Cousins, poaching the quarterback from the Minnesota Vikings.
It's the third season in a row that the Falcons have the eighth pick in the NFL draft.
Let's take a look at the past five years of picks from the Atlanta Falcons and which programs they came from.
2023: Bijan Robinson (eighth pick) | Running back, University of Texas
2022: Drake London (eighth pick) | Wide receiver, University of Southern California
2021: Kyle Pitts (fourth pick) | tight end, University of Florida
2020: A.J. Terrell (16th pick) | Cornerback, Clemson University
2019: Kaleb McGary (31th pick) | Offensive Tackle, University of Washington
So far in the first round:
Here are the other picks that were made before the Falcons made their selection:
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, USC: QB
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, LSU: QB
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, North Carolina: QB
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State: WR
5. Las Angelas Cardinals: Joe Alt, Notre Dame: OT
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, LSU: WR
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Lantham, Alabama: OT