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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis

By Adam Carlson

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) drops back to pass against Auburn Tigers in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch checks a lot of boxes for qualities a quarterback should have, but should the Minnesota Vikings look into the passer?

Paxton Lynch is one of those players who experts seem to be divided on. Some say he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback much like Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, but others feel he lacks many of the mental qualities needed at the professional level.

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However, there is a lot to love about Lynch. He had a big body that has room to grow and a tough frame that could help him take the physical hits a quarterback endures over the course of a season. Like many passers these days, he also has very nimble feet, allowing him to keep plays alive and get away from oncoming pressure. He also shows admirable arm strength and accuracy on the move.

But it’s his pocket passing that needs work. Sometimes, Paxton Lynch seems oblivious to oncoming pressure at times and it results in him taking more sacks than he should. He also needs to work on leading receivers, as passing windows will likely be much smaller at the professional level. The biggest knock on Lynch is that he needs to show more consistency in his game, as he seems to play well in streaks.

Here are Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’7″

  • Weight: 244 pounds
  • Arm Length: 34 1/4″
  • Hand Size: 10 1/4″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.86 seconds
  • Bench Press: N/A
  • Vertical Jump: 36″
  • Broad Jump: 118″
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.14 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

    • Paxton Lynch compares to:

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    The Vikings are set when it comes to a starting quarterback for now. Teddy Bridgewater will be given at least a couple more years to prove that he can be the future of the franchise. However, Minnesota could be looking for a young quarterback to grow and develop behind Bridgewater in case things don’t work out. And if the Vikings like Paxton Lynch enough, they might see him as a valuable asset to grow and develop.

    Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

    My Take:

    Personally, I don’t see Lynch as another Mariota. He will need time to adjust to the NFL level, build up some more mass, and mentally prepare better. Because of those reasons, I don’t see how a team could see Paxton Lynch as a first round selection and he may slip even farther than that in the draft unless a desperate team thinks that they can have him learn on the job. The second round is too soon for a backup to develop and the Vikings aren’t close to throwing in the towel on Bridgewater, so I don’t see Lynch being in Minnesota’s future.

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