2016 NFL Draft Profile: QB Paxton Lynch

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of quarterback Paxton Lynch out of Memphis.

Lynch could possibly be a huge steal in the draft for those teams that are in need of a quarterback. Lynch was very impressive early and mid way through the season but he had some struggles going on during the season that he will need to fix. What is interesting about him is how big he is as he reminds many of Ben Roethlisberger for how tall and big he is he is at 6’7 and weights 245 pounds which is mind blowing. He had good numbers this year as a red shirt junior he had over 3,700 passing yards, 66.8% pass completion and 28 touchdown passes. He has been gaining a ton of experience from the start because he has been a starter since he was a freshman.

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STRENGTHS

Lynch has been able to learn in how to become a leader from his freshman year to now as a redshirt junior. He has very good speed on the ball that he is able to fit the pass into tight windows which is important because in the NFL, everything will be at a much quicker pace. He has the ability to throw many passes in a lower area so the defender is unable to make a play on the ball. Even though he doesn’t have the proper mechanic,s he can still hit his receivers on time.

Many quarterbacks have under-thrown players but Lynch on the other hand doesn’t have that problem and he is able to make that deep pass. Lynch is very elusive and is able to tuck the ball and make the run if necessary. He is also very difficult to bring down one on one as he has the ability to break tackles.

Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

When the pocket is closing up on him he stays calm and collective and handles the situation very well to get himself out of trouble. He has very interesting qualities in how he is able to extend plays when in the pocket which you want from a quarterback. He brings that leadership you want on and off the field which is important if you want to gain the respect from veterans in the locker room. He is also able to look and read through his progressions very well and his decision making is very good.

WEAKNESSES

Sometimes he can get very sloppy with his footwork which could cause him to fumble the ball and the possibility of him throwing a interception. He will need to learn how to get rid of the ball quicker because the anticipation of rushers coming at him are going to be much faster in the NFL. When he is loading to throw the ball he has a tendency of having the ball released later than normal. He has a lot of quick throws that he does a quick read of the field instead of being calm and not nervous.

From the style of offense he ran in college, Lynch will need to adjust to the pro style offense that is mostly run in the NFL. He needs to learn to pace the ball so he can make the passes easier for his receivers to catch because it will be very important in the NFL. When he throws some of his passes, they tend to be very sloppy because he is not putting any power behind the ball. When he throws the ball too hard it tends to come out late and cause the ball to dip before the pass is even able to reach the receiver.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

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Lynch will more than likely be drafted in the mid second round (36-41 picks) and will be the third quarterback taken in this year’s draft. He looks like he has the talent and ability to make it in the NFL as just needs the right guidance in how to develop himself as an NFL quarterback.