2016 NFL Scouting Combine: Post-Combine Risers & Fallers

Paxton Lynch-Quarterback-Memphis

Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch is a top-3 quarterback in the draft. Until recently, some considered him to be the best quarterback and he’s widely mentioned as an option for the 49ers at seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

After his performance at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, those feelings might change. Lynch didn’t necessarily disappoint but, in competing with Goff and Wentz, it was clear Lynch was the odd man out.

The majority of Lynch’s work will come in learning to take snaps from under-center and dropping back after playing in an offense that was routinely in the shotgun. Take a look at two plays back-to-back and pay attention to when Lynch looks comfortable.

Lynch footwork from under center looks significantly hurried and less fluid than a short 3-step drop out of a shotgun formation.

He has good footwork but isn’t quite ready to combine the aspects of dropping back, reading defenses and making throws with anticipation. The Memphis offense allowed him to compartmentalize the necessary skills from moment to moment. He’ll need time and low expectations to develop moving forward. Something that teams with quarterback needs don’t always have.

The 49ers have taken a chance with an athlete from a shotgun offense and might want to avoid a similar skill set as they look to improve the quarterback position. As Kaepernick demands a trade, the unrefined tendencies in Lynch’s game might cause some concern in the 49ers’ front office.

In his scouting report on Lynch, NFL.com Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein mentions the embattled 49ers quarterback. The two have similar skills, but may use them differently:

"While the hype around “dual threat” quarterbacks has subsided, Lynch possesses the size and athleticism to make NFL teams take a second look. Unlike other size/speed quarterbacks like Vince Young and Colin Kaepernick, Lynch prefers to extend passing plays with his feet rather than bolting from the pocket, but he is still likely to make plenty of plays with his feet over the long haul. Lynch shows the ability to read defenses and make smart decisions, but not yet at an NFL starting level. While he has the physical tools to start right away, a team who is willing to allow him to sit and study his craft for a year could reap maximum rewards in the future."

Lynch may easily be selected in the top-15 picks of the draft. He has size, athleticism and leadership skills that will entice teams. However, from where he was seen to where he may be now, Lynch qualifies as a prospect that’s falling amongst his highly-competitive peers.

Next: Leader in the Clubhouse