Dallas Cowboys: QB is a need in 2016 NFL Draft
Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Redshirt Junior
Nov 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) throws the ball against the Temple Owls during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
CBS Sports has Lynch as the top-rated quarterback of the NFL Draft as of Nov. 24 and the fourth overall rated player. If the Cowboys were to have a pick between 4-6 and had a little luck …. and were bold enough to draft a quarterback in the first round … Lynch could be that guy.
The last time the Cowboys selected a quarterback in the first round, his name was Troy Aikman in 1989, and he ended up leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and now has a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In fact, if the Cowboys were to select a quarterback in the first round, it would only be the third time in the history of the franchise they’ve done so, as they first time that occurred was in 1965 when they selected Craig Morton out of California with the fifth overall selection. When the Cowboys selected Aikman in ’89, he was the No. 1 overall pick.
Now for Lynch, he’s been compared to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, according to Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Those two also wrote the following when describing Lynch on their CBS Sports draft page:
"“Excellent frame for the positions. Shows impressive touch and ball placement on a variety of NFL-type throws along with impressive mobility. Shows poise, mobility and pinpoint accuracy.”"
Lynch just set an FBS record on Saturday when he threw for seven touchdowns in the first half in a 63-0 win over SMU. The quarterback of Memphis went 9-of-14 for 222 yards, and get this … all seven of his touchdowns went to different receivers.
In 12 games this season, Lynch has completed 280 passes for 3,670 yards with 28 touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also rushed for 242 yards on 82 attempts, while gaining two touchdowns.
Another thing about Lynch is he is 6-6 to 6-7 (depending on where you read) and weighs around 245 pounds, so he is a pretty tall and built quarterback.
Would he fit into the offense of the Cowboys? I believe though he does have mobility, there of course would have to be some changes to the offense in the future, but right now he’d be a very good option.
The thing about this is, even if the Cowboys did finish poor enough to have a 4-6 selection, he will probably be off the board, but this, like I said, is just a very early idea six months away from the draft.
Next: Draft QB: Carson Wentz