The Atlanta Falcons are hoping Michael Penix Jr. takes the next step in his development this season, but there’s no denying the second-year quarterback has a cannon for an arm. The lefty rocket started the final three games in 2024 and had no problem airing the ball out.

It was no coincidence that wide receiver Drake London had the best game of his career (10 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns) once Penix entered the starting lineup. The former Washington quarterback will enter the 2025 season as the team’s undisputed starter ahead of Kirk Cousins.

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Penix finished his rookie year with 775 passing yards, four touchdowns (one rushing) and three interceptions over five games (three starts). While he still has a lot to prove, many around the NFL are starting to buy in.

ESPN ranked Penix’s arm as one of the 10 strongest in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season. Penix came in at No. 9 on former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky’s list, one spot ahead of Packers QB Jordan Love.

Michael Penix’s arm strength ranked 9th in NFL:

“I included Penix, too, despite just three pro starts to his name; he has a proven arm,” wrote Orlovsky. “He led the FBS with 24 completions of at least 30 air yards in 2023 and then averaged 10.1 air yards per attempt last season with Atlanta, which would have ranked second in the NFL had it qualified.”

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Here’s a look at Orlovsky’s list of the top 10 NFL quarterbacks in terms of arm strength.

Penix didn’t crack the top 10 in any of Orlovsky’s other metrics — ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, pocket presence, rushing ability, second reaction — but it’s impressive to be ranked at all after making just three career starts.

The Falcons will return to the field for their second preseason game this Friday when the Tennessee Titans come to town. Atlanta and Tennessee will hold two joint practices ahead of Friday’s exhibition. Fans can attend both practices, which take place Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:40 a.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix’s arm ranked among NFL’s best