With the NFL Draft less than a week away, the New England Patriots are continuing their extensive research into the quarterback position. This time, it’s Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Penix is in Foxboro on Monday for dinner with the Patriots’ brass and coaching staff. That will be followed by an official 30-minute visit on Tuesday.
All had been reportedly quiet on the Penix front from New England’s perspective prior to this meeting. The Patriots did not meet with the lefty at the NFL Combine while their presence was notably smaller at the Washington Pro Day compared to the large contingent at the other top quarterback prospect’s workouts.
It is noteworthy that New England has Tyler Hughes on staff as their wide receiver coach, who spent last season at the University of Washington with Penix as an offensive analyst.
Penix is coming off a spectacular season in which he threw for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading the Huskies to the National Championship game. His season-long efforts helped him finish second in the Heisman Trophy vote.
Despite his accomplishments last season, Penix’s anticipated draft stock is lower than other prospects at the position in this year’s class. Much of this is due to the 23-year-old’s four season-ending injuries in college, including two ACL tears and two right shoulder problems. During the 30-day stay, New England will have the opportunity to conduct medical tests as they see fit.
Penix is the fourth quarterback to reportedly meet with the Patriots for dinner and a 30-minute visit, joining Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and
