2016 NFL Draft: 5 Risky Picks for the 49ers

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Paxton Lynch — Quarterback (University of Memphis)

The 49ers QB situation is unsettled at best. The Colin Kaepernick saga of whether he will play in 2016 or will be traded continues — Baalke once again reiterated that he hasn’t ruled out trading Kaepernick this week.

The 49ers interest in either QBs Jared Goff and Carson Wentz was ripped away with the Rams and Philadelphia Eagles both trading up to the top-two picks, and both moves are widely expected to draft these two players.

Assuming the 49ers are still interested in a QB (and they should be), do they make a move for Memphis’ Paxton Lynch? He has the size — 6’7″ and 244 pounds — but he carries a number of weaknesses for a potential first- or second-round pick. He is a considered a “project.” Per Rob Rang of NFLdraftscout.com, Lynch needs to improve in these areas:

"Gangly even with added weight and must continue and fill out his upper and lower body. Inconsistent base, doesn’t always throw with a balanced foundation, which affects his downfield accuracy. Must sharpen footwork. Relies on arm talent over fundamentals. Requires maintenance with his throwing technique, which was not emphasized by his coaches. Internal clock is still a work in progress, taking sacks that he shouldn’t. Smart decision-maker. Still learning which throws he should and shouldn’t make. Needs work on touch and timing and developing a better feel for ball speed."

With the right coaching and development, he could be an excellent pro QB. The 49ers have a great quarterback developer in head coach Chip Kelly. But do the 49ers have the time to invest and develop Lynch? If they do indeed trade Kaepernick, and Blaine Gabbert happens to go down with an injury in 2016, do they put Lynch on the field?

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Lynch is not expected to get out of the first round. Do the 49ers use some of their multiple picks and trade back into the first round (say in front of the New York Jets at No. 20) to draft him? It would be a risky move, but the boom potential is there in the future with a possible franchise QB. But it all depends on whether Lynch can overcome his named weaknesses. If he turns into another Christian Ponder, or Jake Locker, is this type of move worth the risk?

As Peter Panacy of Ninernoise.com notes, Hall of Famer Jerry Rice believes the 49ers should select Lynch, as his size and arm strength are outstanding and Kelly can develop him into a successful NFL quarterback.

There are a number of value signal-callers available in this draft. The 49ers must be smart and not reach for a QB who might not fit their system or might not have the intangibles to succeed at the pro level.

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These players are not the only risky players in this draft. The key is for the 49ers to find impact and dependable players tomorrow night, and through Rounds 2 through 7. This may be Baalke’s final chance to improve this roster. For the 49ers to get back to the level of the Seahawks and Cardinals, and to stay ahead of the Rams, there cannot be any whiffs in these picks.

Picking risky players does have an upside, but it is outweighed by the downfall of the whiff. Please choose the right players, Mr. Baalke.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: What You Need to Know for 2016 NFL Draft

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.