As the 2016 NFL draft draws nearer, we at The FreeLancers will break down the top NFL prospects around the country. Be sure to check back every Sunday to see which future star will be under our Spotlight. This week the Spotlight shines on...
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-7, 245 lbs, Junior
Pros:
Body Frame: Lynch has fantastic height. Ideal for a prototypical pocket passer which is so coveted in the NFL. His height will let him scan the field with ease as offensive lineman will not cloud his vision. His weight is average. At 245 Lynch will more or less be able to handle the rigor of hits at the next level at his current weight.
Athleticism: Lynch has the skill set to be a pocket passer. The size, the vision, and the accuracy. What sets him apart is his deceptive athleticism. Lynch has poise in the pocket and does not scramble often, but when he does, he always keeps his eyes down field. The quarterback is a red-zone threat not only with his arm but also with his legs. He rushed for 13 touchdowns in 2014 and added two more in 2015. In the open field, Lynch is tough to bring down one-on-one and can even show a bit of elusiveness as well.
Decision-Making: Shows the ability to move defenders with his eyes and make the correct read in a simple offense. Majority of throws were designed off a single read which simplified things for Lynch. Lynch was efficient in Memphis' offense, completing 67 percent of his passes in 2015. Only 4 interceptions were thrown all year. His decision-making is a plus.
Weaknesses:
Adaptability: Like most collegiate quarterbacks, adapting from a spread-offense to a more pro-style offense in the NFL will cause growing pains. Lynch was used to bunch and 5-WR sets. Those formations are definitely still used but seldomly at the next level. We will see how Lynch will do under center.
Accuracy: This may be a nit pick here. For the most part, Lynch's accuracy is good and he is on the mark on most intermediate throws as well as throws behind the line of scrimmage. His deep ball accuracy is a question mark. Lynch often misses badly outside the numbers on deep balls. His deep ball locations are inconsistent as a whole.
Mechanics: Because of his height, Lynch has freakishly long arms, which can cause his throwing motion to be a little robotic. He has the tendency to load up and throw which causes a delay in his release. When your throwing motion is delayed, all other aspects of the game can be effected. Accuracy, decision making, and timing can all be effected badly as a result of bad mechanics.
Pro Comparison
Superbowl winning quarterback Joe Flacco is the best comparison to Paxton Lynch. Both quarterbacks share a similar build. Tall, lanky, with the ability to be mobile when the defense least expects it. Coming out of Delaware, Flacco had mechanic problems similar to Lynch's. Flacco refined his game and thus lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl win in 2012. Flacco is a pure pocket passer who the franchise can build around. Lynch also brings this capability to which ever franchise decides to pick him in the upcoming draft this Spring.
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