Atlanta Falcons draft class still has 2 unsigned rookies, including Michael Penix Jr

The Atlanta Falcons’ eight-player draft class is officially more than a week into its NFL on-field festivities, completing rookie minicamp May 10-12 before beginning OTAs on May 13.

Since the draft ended on April 27, the Falcons have brought in six rookies — but there are still two remaining, including the team’s highest and most controversial selection.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta’s first-round pick, joins fourth-round defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus as unsigned.

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The Falcons signed third-round defensive end Bralen Trice on Friday, and after signing second-round defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro on Monday, each of the team’s second-round selections are officially under contract for the next four years.

Atlanta had already signed its final four picks – fifth-round linebacker JD Bertrand and a sixth-round trio of running back Jase McClellan, receiver Casey Washington and defensive tackle Zion Logue – on May 10.

The fact that rookies aren’t signed by mid-May isn’t a concern: Few teams have their classes under contract at this point. The Carolina Panthers were the first to do so on May 9, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders on May 13 and the Seattle Seahawks on May 17.

With three weeks until the draft, 11 first-round picks have signed, but only two have been selected in the top 10: wide receiver Malik Nabers (No. 6, New York Giants) and offensive tackle JC Latham (No. 7, Tennessee Titans). ).

Penix was the fourth quarterback off the board and one of six selected in the first round, and only No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix signed his rookie contract. Once signed, Penix is ​​expected to complete a four-year, $22.8 million deal, according to Spotrac.

As such, there is no reason to be concerned that Penix has yet to sign his rookie contract. After all, he represented the Falcons on Friday at an NFLPA event.

But for now, Penix and Dorlus are unsigned – although it’s only a matter of time before changes happen.

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