Patriots hosting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for pre-draft visit

Penix is the fourth QB New England has hosted.

With the NFL Draft just over a week away, the New England Patriots are continuing their thorough research at the quarterback position. This time with Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Penix is in Foxboro on Monday for dinner with the Patriots brass and coaching staff. That will follow with an official 30 visit on Tuesday.

All had been reportedly quiet on the Penix front from New England’s perspective prior to this meeting. The Patriots did not meet with the lefty at the NFL Combine while their presence was notably smaller at the Washington Pro Day compared to the large contingent at the other top quarterback prospect’s workouts.

It is noteworthy that New England has Tyler Hughes on staff as their wide receiver coach, who spent last season at the University of Washington with Penix as an offensive analyst.

Penix is coming off a career-season in which he threw 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns as he led the Huskies to the National Championship game. His season-long performance led to him finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Despite his success last season, Penix’s projected draft stock is not as high as other prospects at the position in this year’s class. Much of that is due to the 23-year old suffering four season-ending injuries in college — two ACL tears and two right shoulder injuries. New England will get a chance to perform medical tests if they please during the 30 visit.

Penix is the fourth quarterback that has reportedly met with the Patriots for dinner and a 30 visit, joining Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy.