In a surprising move that caught many off guard, the Atlanta Falcons made a bold choice in the NFL Draft by selecting Michael Penix Jr. as their eighth overall pick. The Falcons, who were not expected to go after a quarterback, have left pundits and fans speculating about their long-term plans.

The selection of Penix certainly raised eyebrows, especially considering the Falcons had recently signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year deal worth $180 million. Cousins' contract includes $100 million in guaranteed money, with the majority of it being paid out in the first two years. This led to criticism of the Falcons' decision, but former Super Bowl winner Trent Dilfer believes it could be a strategic move similar to the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers model employed by the Green Bay Packers.

Dilfer, speaking to OutKick's "Hot Mic," praised the Falcons for looking ahead and focusing on long-term success. He pointed out that Cousins would be instrumental in helping Penix develop as a person and player, drawing a parallel to his own career and the benefits of learning from an experienced quarterback.

Penix, who has shown great talent and success at Washington, is seen as a quarterback with room for improvement. Dilfer highlighted Penix's tendency to play with a lack of discipline and structure, contrasting it with Cousins' precision and exactness. He believes that watching Cousins play at a high level for Atlanta will help Penix learn the intricacies of the position and become a more mature quarterback.

The news of Penix's selection left Cousins stunned, according to The Athletic. While Cousins understood that the Falcons would consider taking a quarterback, he did not expect his potential successor to be chosen in the first round. It is worth noting the irony of Penix joining the Falcons as Cousins himself is recovering from a torn Achilles.

Penix's injury history is also a point of concern. He has suffered a torn ACL twice, in 2018 and 2020, while also dealing with a clavicle fracture in 2019 and an A/C joint separation in 2021. However, his performance last season was impressive, as he threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, leading Washington to a national championship appearance, although they ultimately fell short against Michigan.

The Falcons' decision to draft Penix as a potential successor to Cousins signifies their commitment to long-term success and Super Bowl contention. While the move has its fair share of skeptics, Dilfer's endorsement and the belief in the Favre-Rodgers model provide an intriguing perspective on the Falcons' draft strategy.

Only time will tell if the Falcons' gamble on Penix pays off, but for now, it has certainly turned heads and sparked discussions around the NFL. The duo of Cousins and Penix could shape the team's future for years to come, establishing the Falcons as perennial contenders in the league.