First Draft Pick Must be a QB - Paxton

[tiamat63]

Winston 58.4% comp 3059 yds 18 td 11 int 184 rushing 5 td 85.4 QB Rating

Mariota 62.4% comp 2786 yds 19 td 10 int 252 rushing 2 td 91.9 QB Rating

Bortles 57.5% comp 3524 yds 30 td 13 int 261 rushing 1 td 88.4 QB Rating

 

seem pretty good to me

 

and 2015 had Fowler,Vic Beasley and Williams take before Shelton

 

Fowler got injured (unfortunate )

 

Williams 47 tackles and 2.5 sacks

 

Beasley 22 tackles and 3 sacks

 

Shelton 26 tackels and 0 sacks

 

stunning...

 

 

 

 

So you compare two rookie QB's to a sophomore QB, then you compare a Nose to an End, then toss in a WLB for good measure?

 

I don't even think YOU know what point you're attempting to make.

[CaineDeSoulis]

Comparing top prospects of varying positions

[gftChris]

I dont see much in the way of prospects for 2017 qb class so this may be our last shot at a good one for 2-3 years. Look fact of the matter is we KNOW we gotta make a change at the helm its just going to happen 2 years is plenty of time to know if a prospect is going to work out or not. I see this as a near inevitable conclusion.

Really? Because most places I find are saying the most talented QB in college right now is Deshawn Watson, who can't declare for at least another year.

[jiggins7919]

Just read another article which discussed Johnny and Josh Gordon remaining in constant contact. Johnny said that Josh is doing the things he needs to do, and he fully expects him back at a top level. Now, I don't take anything that Johnny says as gospel, but it sure is nice to hear SOMETHING about Josh.

 

And yes, count me as in the group of people that daydream about Johnny and Josh playing together. Can you imagine Gordon on some of those "scramble" drills? He catches the ball past a defender and that's it.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/12/17/johnny-manziel-hopes-to-play-with-josh-gordon-next-year/

[gftChris]

The only problem I have with that, jiggles, is Gordon's work ethic (or lack of). We've seen him 'phone in' run plays or other plays where he's not the #1 read. How will that translate to scrambles, where he thinks 'there's no way I'm getting the ball'

[CaineDeSoulis]

Chris...we don't want to be in the same position we are in now next year...we don't want to be in this position again like ever....1 guy doesn't make a QB class and if we are in a spot to take him after being able to take the best from 2016 we're fucked... This year is the last time we pick in the top 5 for the next 5 years guys we all hope or should hope...

[Tour2ma]

Just read another article which discussed Johnny and Josh Gordon remaining in constant contact. Johnny said that Josh is doing the things he needs to do, and he fully expects him back at a top level. Now, I don't take anything that Johnny says as gospel, but it sure is nice to hear SOMETHING about Josh.

Oddly that pairing strikes me as just the kind of association that could help both of them.

 

The responsibility of mentoring a "troubled" vet might help JM stay on his path...

 

The "admiration" Josh has for JM might ensure a full effort...

 

It could work... but if it did not, then the blow up would be epic...

[gftChris]

If JM is the one responsible for turning Puffy back in to Flash then that's a serious level of maturity that I expect from a QB right there. Let's wait and see.

[jiggins7919]

The only problem I have with that, jiggles, is Gordon's work ethic (or lack of). We've seen him 'phone in' run plays or other plays where he's not the #1 read. How will that translate to scrambles, where he thinks 'there's no way I'm getting the ball'

 

Yeah...pretty hard to argue against that, LOL. I realize I'm being wishful and possibly misguided, but I just know the vast potential Gordon has, and I'd love to see him realize it. For OUR team. I see these amazing WR's every week, and I want one. Gordon and Manziel vibing on the scramble plays is absolutely enticing.

[TexasAg1969]

JM has a history from college years of working on his own in the off season with his top receivers so that they each have a better understanding of what "primary receiver" entails with a guy whose best asset is the ability to extend plays. Some of those crazy things folks told me here that would not translate to the pros have in fact been some of our best plays. I have loved the fact they are forcing him to be the more complete "progression" pro, but now with increasing authority to go full JFF when protection breaks down. I love even more how they have designed some plays specifically to occur outside the pocket with a lot of misdirection to open up the field for receivers and QB.

 

If he repeats that history in the off season with several receivers, it can only help the Browns whether it is seen as caretaking or not.

[Tim Couch Pulls Out]

JM has a history from college years of working on his own in the off season with his top receivers so that they each have a better understanding of what "primary receiver" entails with a guy whose best asset is the ability to extend plays. Some of those crazy things folks told me here that would not translate to the pros have in fact been some of our best plays. I have loved the fact they are forcing him to be the more complete "progression" pro, but now with increasing authority to go full JFF when protection breaks down. I love even more how they have designed some plays specifically to occur outside the pocket with a lot of misdirection to open up the field for receivers and QB.

 

If he repeats that history in the off season with several receivers, it can only help the Browns whether it is seen as caretaking or not.

 

Similar to what they did with Wilson in Seattle.

 

The fact that people are saying Manziel isn't as good of a passer as Wilson is just pure ludicrous. He has just as much arm talent, the rest is learned with time.

[Unsympathetic]

it sure is nice to hear SOMETHING about Josh.

 

I have to admit, I'm interested to see the new JG. It takes fundamental acceptance that change is needed for that linked article to be written.

[Bob806]

Paxton not lookng well at all vs. Auburn today.

[WalterWhite]

No way this guy is a 1st round pick.

[Bob806]

It's just one game but Auburn made him look bad, and they weren't stellar on D this year.

[CaineDeSoulis]

pretty ugly game as bad as manziel was on sunday. , I'm still on board with bringing him to cleveland of course. goff looked very nice today aswell I've heard wentz is supposed to be pretty good and have the size and athleticism that nfl values. cook has such a good arm tho really gifted.

[TexasAg1969]

pretty ugly game as bad as manziel was on sunday

 

Butt, butt butt ...........................................he's our next ex-Browns QB savior.

[CaineDeSoulis]

I'm not looking for a qb savior, I'm looking for competency and accountability. Things we are lacking at multiple positions but none more so evident than QB.

[hoorta]

Browns RB from Alabama-Richardson -Check

 

Browns Heisman Winner - Manziel -Check

 

Browns will not draft Heisman RB from Alabama -Check

 

Browns too gunshy?? -Check

 

 

Us OSU homers want Elliot, thank you very much.

[TexasAg1969]

 

Us OSU homers want Elliot, thank you very much.

But if we take Bosa first Elliott will be gone by Round 2 unless we trade away the bank to move up. Sorry only one OSU player per round. Guess who might still be there.

[CaineDeSoulis]

The combine results will also be helpful to look at even though lynch is more a pocket passer it would still be nice to see the physical traits between the prospects.

Cook/Wents/Lynch/Goff

It's likely the browns end up with atleast one of these names hopefully

[Richiswhere]

But if we take Bosa first Elliott will be gone by Round 2 unless we trade away the bank to move up. Sorry only one OSU player per round. Guess who might still be there.

I don't know but maybe Zeke has worked himself back to the 2nd round

[hoorta]

But if we take Bosa first Elliott will be gone by Round 2 unless we trade away the bank to move up. Sorry only one OSU player per round. Guess who might still be there.

 

Seriously- I think Elliott is more of a sure thing than Bosa. I've seen the OSU running backs all the way back to John Brockington- and Elliot is the best since Eddie George- my 0.02 Ag.

 

Yeah- crazy to take Zeke in the top 5. He'll go before the Heisman 'Bama booger- and I'll bet you a six pack on that one.

[TexasAg1969]

 

Seriously- I think Elliott is more of a sure thing than Bosa. I've seen the OSU running backs all the way back to John Brockington- and Elliot is the best since Eddie George- my 0.02 Ag.

 

Yeah- crazy to take Zeke in the top 5. He'll go before the Heisman 'Bama booger- and I'll bet you a six pack on that one.

 

No bet because that is exactly what I expect too. Unless we trade down or take him at #2, he will not be there for our next pick.

[Mark O]

Memphis' Paxton Lynch doesn't have look of NFL-ready QB

By Bucky Brooks
NFL Media analyst
Published: Dec. 30, 2015 at 04:40 p.m.
Updated: Dec. 30, 2015 at 05:02 p.m.
16 Likes | 19 Comments

Email
Print

Read
Discuss

Marvin Gentry/USA Today Sports
Paxton Lynch threw for just 108 yards in Memphis' Birmingham Bowl loss to Auburn.

Paxton Lynch has been one of the hottest names in college football after guiding Memphis into prominence with his spectacular play this season. The 6-foot-7, 245-pounder has not only teased scouts with his athleticism and arm talent, but he has also piqued the interest of evaluators looking for a franchise player with the "it" factor to reverse the fortunes of a downtrodden squad. With so much buzz and conversation about Lynch possibly applying for early entry into the 2016 draft and commanding a high grade, I thought I would pop in some tape and pay close attention to Wednesday's Birmingham Bowl to see if the performance matched the hype. Lynch, a junior, has not yet announced whether he will apply for early entry into the 2016 draft. After spending a few days doing the research, here are my thoughts on Lynch and his potential.
College Football 24/7 Hot Topics:

Can't-miss moments of 2015 season
2016 NFL Draft order and team needs
Tracking underclassmen draft intentions
Watch: Great college football plays

Athleticism
Lynch is a dynamic quarterback with outstanding athleticism, movement skills and agility. Despite measuring 6-7, 245 pounds, Lynch moves around like a diminutive playmaker on the perimeter. He is a rare find at the position as a big quarterback capable of executing designed quarterback runs, including the speed option, zone-read and QB power. Although we've seen other collegiate quarterbacks execute similar plays, the prospect of using a tall quarterback in this fashion is a testament to Lynch's athleticism and running skills. As a passer, Lynch's athleticism shows up in his ability to maneuver around the pocket. He quickly climbs up in the pocket when the pressure forces him from his sweet spot. In addition, he flashes enough agility and mobility to capably throw on the run. With some teams willing to feature bootlegs prominently in the game plan, Lynch's athleticism is a huge asset to a creative offensive coordinator.

Arm talent
Lynch has very good arm talent. He's not an A-plus thrower, but he capably makes every throw in the book with zip and velocity. Looking at Lynch's game on tape, I thought he tossed a "catchable" ball that made it easy for receivers to pick up chunk yardage after each reception. In a quick-rhythm offense designed to maximize the running skills of athletic playmakers, the soft tosses are essential to picking up "YAC" (yards after catch). From a mechanics standpoint, Lynch has a bit of a long windup, but the ball comes out of his hand quickly with enough RPMs to get into tight windows. Although the extended motion will give NFL defenders an opportunity to get an early jump on his throws, he fires the ball with enough velocity to deliver the ball before most defensive backs can close on receivers.
» Tracking underclassmen intentions for 2016 draft

I thought Lynch excelled in the Tigers' quick-rhythm scheme based on my study of the coaches' tape. He delivers the ball accurately to pass-catchers on screens, quicks (hitches and slants) and timing routes (speed outs). He is very comfortable on "catch-and-fire" throws, and he is a superb playmaker on RPO (run-pass option) passes. He seemingly executed a play fake on 85-90 percent of his passes, which is a significantly higher percentage than most NFL teams feature in their game plans. While some offensive coordinators will appreciate his ability to use a ball fake to hold defenders, the heavy use of RPOs will lead to some questions about Lynch's ability to read defenses based on the simple nature of the concept (quarterback reads the reaction of a designated defender to determine whether to run or throw the ball to a specific receiver). Depending on the flexibility of a team's offensive coordinator, Lynch's reliance on RPOs could affect his final grade in some meeting rooms.
Dec 19, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Tanner Magnum (12) is sacked for a loss by Utah Utes defensive tackle Viliseni Fauonuku (98) in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports)
NFL Exposure
Best of the bowls
Check out the best images from the 2015-16 college football bowl season.

On movement pass plays, Lynch consistently delivers accurate passes within the strike zone on rollouts, sprint passes and bootlegs. He will hit crossers at various levels over the middle, but I was most impressed with his ability to fire the ball to receivers along the boundary. With some teams electing to use movement passes to simplify the reads for the quarterback (half-field reads), Lynch's athleticism and skills as a movement passer could bode well for his development early in his career.

Against Auburn, Lynch raised concerns about his accuracy and ball placement with his erratic performance. He was repeatedly off the mark on short, intermediate and deep throws, which is troubling for a player touted as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Although it isn't uncommon for a young player to struggle in a bowl game on a big stage, the fact that he didn't start strong against a defense that struggled throughout the season is an issue. Despite completing 11 of his first 17 passes, he only amassed 57 yards and missed a number of "layups" in the opening half. He repeatedly missed high and outside on his short and intermediate throws. He failed to find his rhythm in the second half, finishing the night completing only 16 of 37 passes for 108 yards. Given that the Tigers' offense is built around the quick-rhythm passing game, the misfires will lead scouts to dig into his regular-season tape to see if this is part of a trend.

Pocket Poise
For all of Lynch's strengths as an athletic passer, he must be able to thrive as a pocket passer to succeed as a pro. Looking at Lynch's games from the regular season, I believe he displays good, but not great, poise in the pocket. Although he routinely delivers the ball on time and on target on traditional dropbacks, Lynch will get a little jittery when the pocket collapses and looks to flee the pocket on impromptu scrambles. Despite his success as a scrambler and improvisational playmaker, I have some concerns about some of his "helter-skelter" forays on the perimeter. He will throw the ball up for grabs when forced off his spot, which could result in interceptions at the next level. Despite throwing just 12 interceptions over the past two seasons, Lynch has gotten away with a few errant tosses that should've gone the other way. Given the importance of ball security in the NFL, Lynch's judgment and pocket poise must be on point for him to thrive as a young starter.
» 2015 college football bowl schedule

Against Auburn, Lynch didn't show great poise or composure for most of the first half. After misfiring on a few layups early in the game, he looked to flee the pocket quickly instead of exhausting the plays (reading the first, second and third option within the progression) before looking to escape the pass rush. Although Lynch was able to generate a few positive plays with his legs, he must exhibit better patience and poise as a pocket passer to become an elite player at the next level.

Football Intelligence
Evaluating a spread quarterback's football IQ is one of the biggest challenges in the pre-draft process. Scouts have a tough time determining how much responsibility falls on the quarterback due to the micromanaging from the sideline. From making the protection calls for the offensive line to executing the proper run-pass checks at the line of scrimmage, scouts prefer quarterback prospects with some experience in those areas as potential franchise players. Looking at Lynch on tape, he appears to have a good command of the Tigers' offense during the pre-snap phase. He communicates and relays signals to his perimeter players; he also walks up to the line and echoes the play calls to his offensive line. Although those tactics aren't necessary viewed as important on the outside, Lynch must command a huddle and communicate with his teammates -- it's critical to his success as a pro.

Lynch plays in a spread offense that features a host of screens, quicks and RPOs. Thus, he isn't really tasked with complex reads from the pocket. Lynch thrives on "catch-and-fire" throws and it remains to be seen if he can transition to an offense that features pure progression reads. Against Auburn, he had a tough time stringing together completions on plays that didn't involve some form of deception and trickery in the backfield. The overwhelming majority of his throws consisted of screens, quicks and RPOs. Although those easy concepts have fueled Lynch's high completion percentage, the NFL playbook will require him to make "big boy" throws on the perimeter. Based on his struggles executing the Tigers' offense against an SEC defense, scouts will certainly question his ability to handle a complex playbook as a pro. Given those concerns, scouts might pause before putting a high grade on Lynch's potential.
» Predictions for top 10 college bowl games

Clutch Factor
Blue-chip prospects are judged on their ability to play their best against elite competition and in critical moments. Quarterbacks, in particular, are expected to take it up a level when facing a premier opponent on a big stage. Despite Lynch's remarkable physical tools and his ridiculous production, scouts harbored concerns about the level of competition he faced throughout the regular season. Thus, it was important for him to shine in the Birmingham Bowl against an SEC opponent. Although the Auburn Tigers were regarded as a mid-level team in the SEC, the NFL-caliber defenders dotting their roster would provide Lynch with a glimpse of the speed, athleticism and quickness that he would face on most Sundays as a pro.
NFL Exposure
Alternate college football uniforms
Check out the alternate college football uniforms worn during the 2015 season.

After Lynch's disappointing performance against Auburn, I have serious concerns about his game. He was so erratic with his judgment, ball placement and playmaking ability that I wonder about his ability to grow into a franchise quarterback for a dismal squad searching for an answer at the position. Sure, he possesses all of the physical traits that scouts covet in a blue-chip quarterback, but "elite" guys find a way to shine on the biggest and brightest stage. While every quarterback suffers through a disappointing game, great players display enough grit and determination to show scouts that they are capable of handling adversity. Lynch appeared frustrated throughout the game. He never was able to string together enough positive plays to create momentum for his teammates.

Although he has a lot of film that suggests he's ready for the pro game, Lynch will have a tough time erasing this poor performance from the minds of evaluators searching for a franchise player at the position.

Conclusion
There's no question that Lynch is one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. He exhibits rare athleticism and movement skills for a "big" quarterback. He has enough arm talent to make every throw in the book. However, I had some questions about his readiness and potential based on my extensive tape study (Ole Miss, Houston, Temple, South Florida, and Cincinnati) prior to the Birmingham Bowl. Those concerns are heightened after watching him struggle against Auburn. While I still believe he's an intriguing prospect with potential, I see him as a developmental prospect who will need time to grow into the position. If I had to compare him to a current pro, I would cite Ryan Tannehill as an apt comparison. Lynch can function at a high level in executing concepts that are similar to the tactics he runs at Memphis, but he will need time to transition to a pro playbook.

[The Gipper]

So.....Lynch's best comparison to a current NFL QB is Ryan Tannehill? That is not the sort of talent that I would want to invest the #2 overall pick with.

[TexasAg1969]

So.....Lynch's best comparison to a current NFL QB is Ryan Tannehill? That is not the sort of talent that I would want to invest the #2 overall pick with.

 

To add to that I watched the game he won against Ole Miss and I was not impressed with his progressions or more accurately the lack thereof. His delivery is also very slow compared to NFL QB's. They impressively won the game, but Ole Miss had not taken them seriously in Memphis so they paid the price of play far below their norm both sides of the ball. And DT Robert Nkemdiche went out with a concussion early in the 2nd quarter, so Lynch did not have to contend with that national top 5 D player 3/4 of the game.

[mohican]

 

An NFC regional scout said Michigan State senior QB Connor Cook is a third-round prospect.

"The most polarizing guy in the draft is going to be Connor Cook," he said. "Watch. Scouts argue about him all the time. We've seen him long enough that everyone's mind is made up already. He's a third-rounder to me and an average starter at best." Similar to Brady Quinn several years ago, Cook is a long-time starter who folks still can't quite get their finger on despite ample tape to watch. "Cook has been a productive starter who has shown improvement each year, but there are still questions about his accuracy on the NFL level and whether or not he can be a team leader in the locker room and on the field," noted NFL.com. "While Cook might be polarizing, he's also a quality quarterback, and quality quarterbacks rarely fall very far outside of the second round."

for those who think cooks the answer

 

He's a Senior who's teammates don't think of as worthy of a captain. A tool with a lot of tools.

[Tour2ma]

He's a Senior who's teammates don't think of as worthy of a captain. A tool with a lot of tools.

OMG... Cook is Bo Callahan! (minus the Heisman)

[Mike H]

 

Goff, IMHO, has regressed this year. He is far too light, especially for our division. CAL's been trying to bulk him up for years and they just couldn't add much weight to his frame. At 6'4" 210lbs., I don't think he can take the hits he will absorb in the NFL. He certainly is no "cold-weather QB" either.

 

This is verbatim criticism of Bridgewater during that draft build up.

 

Goff has unbelievable fundamental talent, and a really good arm. There are some things not to like, but he's impressing me.