As the QB turns … It has been sort of a wild and crazy day when it comes to QBs across the league with a number of moves that could ultimately impact how the 2025 draft plays. And maybe the biggest move of the day came in Atlanta where the Falcons have reportedly decided to finally give Michael Penix, the #1 pick at the 2024 draft, a chance in place of veteran Kirk Cousins who has struggled to generate much in the way of a consistent offence over the past several weeks. What makes it interesting relative to the draft is that Penix will make his first start this Sunday against the NY Giants who are locked in a battle with Las Vegas for the #1 pick overall this coming April. At the same time, a couple of other teams currently sitting on top 10 picks – Tennessee at #6 and Cleveland at #7 – are also making QB changes this week. The Titans, for example, are benching Will Levis in favor of veteran Mason Rudolph after the former had multiple passes picked off in their loss to Cincinnati on the weekend. Same story in Cleveland where Dorian Thompson-Robinson will replace Jameis Winston at the helm for the Browns.
On the other hand, it appears there is a strong chance that Las Vegas will have Aidan O’Connell back at QB on Sunday when the Raiders host Jacksonville in what could be billed the ‘Shedeur Bowl’, at least for Vegas. Jacksonville, at 3-11, is sitting on the 4th pick and are playing without QB Trevor Lawrence and a Raiders win would very likely drop them out of consideration for the top pick given their relatively high SOS figure. However, this is the only game left on the Raiders schedule in which they will be favored, as they also play at New Orleans and then host the Chargers to conclude the season.
