NFL Coach: Michael Penix Jr. 'Locked-In 1st Rounder' in 2024 Draft After Pro Day

Michael Penix Jr. boosted his 2024 NFL draft stock with his pro day performance on Thursday.

The former Washington signal-caller impressed several representatives from NFL teams that watched him participate in drills, with one anonymous coach expecting to hear his name called on the first day of the draft.

"Freak show! Dude runs 4.5 and then jumps 37 inches," the coach texted NFL insider Jordan Schultz. "Arm strength is crazy in person. Locked in 1st rounder."

Penix Jr. recorded a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at his pro day.

The 23-year-old also showcased a 36.5" vertical jump after only participating in throwing drills during the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Penix Jr. thrived in front of a large audience at his pro day, as NFL Network's Omar Ruiz noted that representatives from all 32 teams were present. In total, over 100 scouts and talent evaluators showed up.

Concerns about his draft range have stemmed from his age and injury history, as he's older than other top quarterback prospects such as 22-year-old Caleb Williams and 21-year-old Drake Maye. Penix Jr. also dealt with multiple torn ACL injuries in college, which may cause front offices to question his durability.

Still, his performance on Thursday combined with his 2023 production could be enough to warrant a first-round selection.

He's coming off a phenomenal senior campaign with the Huskies, completing 65.4 percent of his throws for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions. It marked the second consecutive year in which he surpassed 4,600 yards and 30 touchdown passes.

In the latest mock draft by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Penix Jr. fell into the second round as he was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 44 overall pick.

However, it's clear that at least one NFL coach believes that he won't have to wait until Day 2 in order to hear his name called.