ENGLEWOOD, CO – The Denver Broncos have drafted Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch with the 26th pick in the NFL Draft ,after executing a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to move up to that spot. In the trade, the Broncos give up the 31st pick and the 94th pick in this year’s draft.
Lynch was widely regarded as the third-best quarterback in this year’s draft behind No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks respectively, Jered Goff and Carson Wentz. At Memphis, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound signal-caller started 38 games before choosing to forgo his senior season to enter this year’s draft. Lynch completed 758-of-1205 career passes for 8,863 career yards and 59 touchdowns at Memphis, good enough for second all-time in school history. He also rushed 288 times for 687 career yards and 17 touchdowns.
A two-time all-conference honoree, the Florida native led Memphis to a 19-7 record over his Sophomore and Junior seasons in Memphis.
NFL.com lists Lynch’s strengths as follows:
Very tall, athletic body with ability to scan over the top. Elite foot quickness for a tall quarterback. Can maneuver quickly out of a busy pocket and away from trouble, but desires to keep passing option alive. Sets up in the pocket quickly and generally keeps feet “throw ready”. More functional scrambler than “tuck and run” quarterback. Sacked just 15 times over 477 drop backs. Able to win with his feet when he needs to. Has a quick release to overcome his slight wind-up. Has enough arm to drive the ball into restricted windows. Has enough arm to attack downfield while on the move. Makes good decisions. Rarely takes the cheese when cornerbacks try and bait him. Displays qualities of a field leader and isn’t easy to rattle. Yards per attempt have exploded over his last two years. Can gain chunk yards as zone-read quarterback and will appeal to boot-action teams. Will be challenging to defend in the red area. Took better care of the football cutting turnovers down from 16 last season to just four this year. Completed 54.6 percent on intermediate throws (1120) and 44.9 percent on deep balls (21-plus yards) including 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Stayed tuned to BSNDenver.com for more notes, quotes and in-depth analysis of the Broncos new quarterback of the future.
