Things are ramping up for the Falcons, especially young players like Michael Penix Jr.
We’re officially one month removed from the draft, and while the NFL is firmly in its “dead period,” real sickos like you know the Atlanta Falcons OTAs start this week!
Here’s the schedule: May 27th-28th, May 30th, June 2nd-3rd, and June 5th.
“Organized Team Activities” (OTAs) sounds far more exciting than what it is. These voluntary practices won’t contain major installs or even contact amongst players, but it’s an ideal environment for the 2025 team to gel and build rapport.
No player is looking to do that more than quarterback Michael Penix Jr. While there has been plenty of justified excitement building around the quarterback, there have been more analysts willing to stick their necks out there to say the young gunslinger had some accuracy woes in his limited play time last year.
According to PFF, Kirk Cousins had a higher adjusted completion % (accounts for drops, throwaways, and on-target passes) than Penix on deep, intermediate, and behind-the-LOS throws. Penix was only better in the short area (0-9 yards). You can see a full breakdown of Penix’s throws in the passing depth chart below.
Stats and Chart via PFF
Penix can continue to develop chemistry, timing, and consistency during OTAs. While contact is not permitted, teams can run 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills during OTAs. This adds more value to the reps and helps the receiver and quarterback. Drop rates increased when Penix got the starting job; some will blame the “lefty spin,” but more balls from Penix should curb the issue.
Receivers are one of the few positions that have the opportunity to raise their stock in a meaningful way. Last summer, Ray-Ray McCloud started generating buzz in OTAs, and we soon learned that it was more than just smoke. Nick Nash, Casey Washington, and others will be looking to do the same this go-round.
Secondary defenders will also have the opportunity to get more comfortable with their basic assignments and responsibilities via team drills. These drills aren’t real football, but when done right, players can execute physical and mental reps and make progress with their foundation before hitting mandatory summer workouts.
The one group we won’t be able to glean much from is the trenches, but don’t worry—there will still be plenty of cliche lines to keep you excited: “He’s in the best shape he’s ever been,” “We love the way he’s been approaching these workouts,” “We’ve got big plans for him this fall” (99% of these will be said about DeAngelo Malone)—you get the point.
We can only learn so much from non-contact practices, but that doesn’t make them meaningless. It’s time to hold on to every small tidbit of information like it’s a clue from Nickolas Cage’s National Treasure. Let the summer festivities begin.