2016 NFL Draft: Buyer Beware on Memphis Quarterback Paxton Lynch

[RS12]

My definition is a top-15 quarterback who can reasonably become a playmaker at the position to help win playoff games—and eventually a Super Bowl.

Since the elite signal-callers are so difficult to develop, NFL teams must project collegiate talent and decide if there is someone they can build a winner around.

We’ve already broken down the game of California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff, and now it is time to look at Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch.

I studied Memphis' offense in all but three games to get a good feel for Lynch as a player and prospect. (The three games I didn’t chart were those against Missouri State, Kansas and SMU.) After tracking his progression from late 2014 to the end of his 2015 season, I concluded that franchises with a high draft pick should beware of Lynch.

We’re going to look at Lynch’s strengths, weaknesses and how he projects into the NFL. Let’s start with a broad view and then narrow down his specific traits.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...er-beware-on-memphis-quarterback-paxton-lynch

 

[reddyuta]

very good and fair article,he also mentions the cowboys as the ideal landing place for Lynch.I think he has a great arm but you dont see that in every throws.spread QBs like Dalton ,tannehill are successful in the NFL.the size ,arm strength and athleticism make him a better prospect that both those guys.it has to be said that the memphis offnese didnt have much talent,it could be the reason for some of his miscues.

 

[Bigdog]

Good article and believe he might be good if given time to develop. With that being, said I still would take Goff over Lynch. His level of competition is greater along with his footwork and accuracy.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I don't know what he's watching if he doesn't think Lynch has a strong arm. He repeatedly makes some tough throws from the opposite hashmark that are on a frozen rope. The other stuff we can say about any QB. And I rarely want any QB starting right away. I don't think it gives the QB the best chance to become a good QB in this league and often times just kills a career before it ever gets started.




YR

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I don't know what he's watching if he doesn't think Lynch has a strong arm. He repeatedly makes some tough throws from the opposite hashmark that are on a frozen rope. The other stuff we can say about any QB. And I rarely want any QB starting right away. I don't think it gives the QB the best chance to become a good QB in this league and often times just kills a career before it ever gets started.




YR

he's not saying he doesn't have a strong arm, just not as strong as most QBs with his frame. I think he does acknowledge he can make any NFL throw a bit latter, but fwiw, he does not have as strong an arm as Goff. Goff makes quite a few throws rather effortlessly despite his erratic footwork.

 

[Beast_from_East]

At pick 4, I am taking Goff...........would consider Wentz in a modest trade down, but if I am sticking at 4 and Goff is there.........no brainer.

 

[DFWJC]

Thanks for posting.
Good article.

 

[Brooksey]

I don't know what he's watching if he doesn't think Lynch has a strong arm. He repeatedly makes some tough throws from the opposite hashmark that are on a frozen rope. The other stuff we can say about any QB. And I rarely want any QB starting right away. I don't think it gives the QB the best chance to become a good QB in this league and often times just kills a career before it ever gets started.

YR

Paxton Lynch makes all the throws, has good mobility, runs a nasty bootleg. Watched his tape against Ole Miss, he looks like the top pick in the draft.

Goff and Wentz look good too. Goff has a bit of a wristy release but he throws a beautiful ball, he's making some throws right now that are unreal. His bowl game performance was off the charts. Wentz may surprise and move into the top 10. He needs work but we have time in Dallas. In the end Wentz may wind up being the guy, he's very smart with a 4.0 GPA as well, JG will love that.

Making a decision with the just the tape that's out there right now, I'm taking Paxton Lynch

 

[Risen Star]

Let me soothe some fears here and point out he'd have at least a couple of years working with Wade Wilson before he'd have to take over the starting gig for the Cowboys.

All better?

 

[darthseinfeld]

Let me soothe some fears here and point out he'd have at least a couple of years working with Wade Wilson before he'd have to take over the starting gig for the Cowboys.

All better?

And he will have Swaim to throw the ball

Salivating.....

 

[VACowboy]

Paxton Lynch makes all the throws, has good mobility, runs a nasty bootleg. Watched his tape against Ole Miss, he looks like the top pick in the draft.

Goff and Wentz look good too. Goff has a bit of a wristy release but he throws a beautiful ball, he's making some throws right now that are unreal. His bowl game performance was off the charts. Wentz may surprise and move into the top 10. He needs work but we have time in Dallas. In the end Wentz may wind up being the guy, he's very smart with a 4.0 GPA as well, JG will love that.

Making a decision with the just the tape that's out there right now, I'm taking Paxton Lynch

Can you elaborate on Goff's "wristy release?"

What I see when I watch Goff throw the ball is quickness. He flicks the ball instantly and effortlessly, without the windup you get with long-armed guys like Lynch.

 

[Fredd]

I still see Cook later in the draft, I have nothing to base it on other than a dream I had...I just don't want him before our 3rd pick and he would never last that long

 

[texbumthelife]

I sincerely believe Wentz will jump Lynch by the time the draft rolls around. Lynch seems to live and die by the screen pass and when he has to actually read a defense he gets happy feet and loses a lot of accuracy (I haven't read the article yet FYI, so if I repeated anything said I apologize).

 

[RS12]

Let me soothe some fears here and point out he'd have at least a couple of years working with Wade Wilson before he'd have to take over the starting gig for the Cowboys.

All better?

We'd all feel better if Trestman was the QB coach here, but you know how that goes.

 

[RS12]

I sincerely believe Wentz will jump Lynch by the time the draft rolls around. Lynch seems to live and die by the screen pass and when he has to actually read a defense he gets happy feet and loses a lot of accuracy (I haven't read the article yet FYI, so if I repeated anything said I apologize).

I dont, reason being level of competition. That will still be a lot for Wentz to overcome.

 

[texbumthelife]

I dont, reason being level of competition. That will still be a lot for Wentz to overcome.

You've looked at Memphis' schedule and Lynch's play in said schedule, right?

The only legitimate team they played were Ole Miss and Auburn. Lynch's game vs. Ole Miss will be what he hangs his hat on. It is his most impressive game against high level competition, otherwise, he boosted his stats against teams like Missouri St and Tulsa. In probably the biggest game of his career, against Auburn, Lynch **** the bed going 16/37 for 107 and an INT.

Meanwhile, Wentz played weaker competition, but played one of the most complete games of his career in possibly the biggest game of his career. He consistently looks like a man among boys at the level he played at.

I keep hearing this "inferior competition" comment, but every year it's proven how little that really means. He can either play or he can't. While he may have a greater adjustment in terms of level of competition, he played in a pro offense and showed he can read a defense, neither of which Lynch has shown any ability to do. Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger wanted me to say hi, btw.

We'll see how it all plays out, but I think Wentz is a superior prospect to Lynch, whether he needs a little more time or not.

 

[texbumthelife]

We'd all feel better if Trestman was the QB coach here, but you know how that goes.

Man, good call. I had never even thought about that. I don't want that guy running my team, but he can coach my QB and run my offense anyday! We need to dig deep and play six degrees of separation between Jerry and Trestman. You know he's going to have to need some affiliation to the franchise to be considered...

 

[RS12]

You've looked at Memphis' schedule and Lynch's play in said schedule, right?

The only legitimate team they played were Ole Miss and Auburn. Lynch's game vs. Ole Miss will be what he hangs his hat on. It is his most impressive game against high level competition, otherwise, he boosted his stats against teams like Missouri St and Tulsa. In probably the biggest game of his career, against Auburn, Lynch **** the bed going 16/37 for 107 and an INT.

Meanwhile, Wentz played weaker competition, but played one of the most complete games of his career in possibly the biggest game of his career. He consistently looks like a man among boys at the level he played at.

I keep hearing this "inferior competition" comment, but every year it's proven how little that really means. He can either play or he can't. While he may have a greater adjustment in terms of level of competition, he played in a pro offense and showed he can read a defense, neither of which Lynch has shown any ability to do. Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger wanted me to say hi, btw.

We'll see how it all plays out, but I think Wentz is a superior prospect to Lynch, whether he needs a little more time or not.

My arguement would be not one guy Lynch played with on offense with will sniff the NFL, and without him they go from 9 wins to 4 or 5. Fuente couldnt leave fast enough knowing what they turn back into a pumpkin next year.

 

[texbumthelife]

My arguement would be not one guy Lynch played on offense with will sniff the NFL, and without him they go from 9 wins to 4 or 5. Fuente couldnt leave fast enough knowing what they turn back into a pumpkin next year.

I am not saying Lynch wasn't important to the Tigers. That is a very different argument from projecting guys to the NFL. I just think it's funny everyone is bringing up this "inferior competition" argument while seemingly ignoring Memphis' cream puff schedule.

 

[Brooksey]

Can you elaborate on Goff's "wristy release?"

What I see when I watch Goff throw the ball is quickness. He flicks the ball instantly and effortlessly, without the windup you get with long-armed guys like Lynch.

I think Goff throws a beautiful ball. Lynch gets it our pretty quick too. They are both good. Lynch has more upside IMO with his tremendous size and mobility.