In today’s Fact or Fiction — NFL Draft edition — I look at three big recent topics around the NFL Draft and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. QB Michael Penix Jr. hurt his stock sitting out the Senior Bowl.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Michael Penix Jr. practiced all week but opted out of the game, and he will have to answer those questions at the NFL Draft. Did he do so because he’s afraid of competition? Because his team wasn’t strong enough with other opt-outs? It’s an odd look. Penix Jr. saw his stock soar after the playoff win over Texas, but after a rough outing against Michigan in the title game and now this, he will be under scrutiny now.
2. Spencer Rattler is getting first round talk.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Nope, not at this time, as he’s still a day two at best, even after a solid week at the Senior Bowl. Long ago, Spencer Rattler was the surefire No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, but that feels like a decade ago. He’s been solid at South Carolina and has NFL skills, but many scouts I spoke to have questions and issues with his drop-off since his early Oklahoma days and, of course, the attitude questions that lingered from those days as well. He’s answered many questions since he was benched for Caleb Williams, but many remain.
3. Braden Fiske is now a day two pick.
Farrell’s take: FACT
The versatile defensive tackle had a very good year at Florida State but was a mid-rounder coming into the Senior Bowl week. But he takes to coaching, he’s an effort guy, and some scouts I spoke to think he could have a long career as a rotational guy who is a locker room leader. He’s day two to me now, likely round three.
