2016 NFL Rookie Predictions: Paxton Lynch has potential
Bench presses have been counted, cone drills have been clocked, and tape has been reviewed. While NFL scouts have been scribbling in their notebooks for months, fantasy owners are just now examining this year’s incoming class. Over the next two weeks, I’ll be breaking down some under the radar prospects at QB, RB, and WR. Once April arrives, we’ll tackle the big names. All of this in the name of keeping fans of the virtual game fully informed and a step ahead of the competition. To kick things off: Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch.
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College Highlights: A three-year starter, Lynch’s game evolved tremendously over the last three seasons. Starting 39 consecutive contests, the Florida native tripled his passing scores (from 9 in 2013 to 28 in 2015) and reduced his turnovers by more than fifty percent (10 in 2013 to 4 in 2015). Leading Memphis to an 8-0 start this past fall, Lynch was a Manning Award finalist and received first team All-AAC honors. He won 19 games in his last two seasons as a Tiger, including a 13-point upset over Ole Miss this past October, in which he threw for 386 yards and 3 TDs.
Pluses: At 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds, Lynch presents optimal height with a frame wide enough to add bulk. He’s a gifted athlete who can extend plays with his feet while delivering downfield with solid arm strength. The velocity with which he throws was noted at the combine. Clocking in at 59 miles per hour, Lynch’s passing velocity bested all other participating QB prospects. An effective scrambler, Lynch is hard to bring down, keeping passing plays alive with his strength and quickness.
Minuses: Needs to work on ball placement and mechanics. Doesn’t properly plant his feet before letting it rip, especially while on the run. Relies on his arm strength too much. A good decision-maker in that he’s learned to limit mistakes, but his game now lacks decisiveness as a result. While very productive in college, it’s come vs. lower-level competition. Hasn’t had much experience in a pro-style offense and will need on-field reps before matriculating to the next level.
Pro-Comp(s): Marcus Mariota, Ryan Tannehill, Blake Bortles
Team Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals
Fearless Forecast: Largely considered the third best QB in the 2016 class (behind Jared Goff and Carson Wentz), Lynch has all of the tools necessary to develop into a starting NFL quarterback. His size, toughness, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect with breakout potential. The time for him, however, is not now. A work in progress, Lynch’s lack of experience under center prevents him from making an immediate fantasy impact. If he were to land in San Francisco with Chip Kelly as his head coach, or be given the chance to develop behind Andy Dalton with Bill Lazor as his QBs coach (unlikely with A.J. McCarron locked in as the backup, but a trade isn’t entirely out of the question), then his appeal in dynasty leagues would increase and his maturation process could accelerate. For now, though, he’s a hold.
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