Chicago Bears: Top quarterback prospects in 2016 draft
Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Paxton Lynch (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) –Memphis
Paxton Lynch certainly does not have a problem seeing over the linemen when trying to throw a pass. At 6-foot-7, a lot of them have to look up to him.
Lynch shows pretty good accuracy on his throws, and he possesses an arm that is ready for the NFL. For a tall guy, he shows good mobility.
This season, Lynch threw for 3,670 yards, with 28 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He completed 69 percent of his passes. For his career, he has thrown for 8,757 yards, with 59 touchdowns and 22 interceptions while completing 64 percent of his passes.
Lynch demonstrates a good decision-making ability. He is also able to use his eyes to distract defenders, so he does not lock onto a receiver.
Lynch is a good athlete who has the ability to close out his runs in a way that limits the hits he takes. His combination of size and athleticism makes some scouts drool.
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Some scouts compare Lynch to Ben Roesthlisberger. He is big and strong, so he is difficult to bring down. While he can run and pick up some yards, when he leaves the pocket, his primary concern is trying to make a play with his arm.
It is good to see Lynch go up against better competition in a bowl game. He will face the Auburn Tigers in the Birmingham Bowl.
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn has high praise for Lynch. “We’re playing one of the best offensive teams in college football and we’re playing one of the best quarterbacks, if not the best guy for the next level,” Malzahn said. “I mean he’s phenomenal.”
In a rout against SMU earlier this season, Lynch had a ridiculous first half. He tied the record for most touchdowns in a half, he actually set a record by throwing those touchdowns to seven different receivers. Now that is distribution. Let’s see how he does against an SEC team.
So there is just a small sampling of possible quarterback prospects available to the Chicago Bears. There are some who are NFL-ready now, and some who could use a season or so of seasoning. The Bears are in a situation where they can grab a quarterback and have him take a red-shirt season, and when Cutler is traded or cut, the kid can take over.
Next: Chicago Bears: Who Should Stay and Who Should Go?
It is important, though, that the quarterback position be a priority. The Bears had a chance to pick one up last season, but did not take it. They cannot do that again.