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For the past couple of seasons, people have constantly picked the Los Angeles Rams as a sleeper playoff contender. However, the team has always failed to meet those lofty goals, and the main reason for their failure has been at the quarterback position. If the Rams want to meet expectations and make the playoffs, they need a starting quarterback. Paxton Lynch is certainly an intriguing quarterback prospect, and with the No. 15 overall pick, the Rams should make him their No. 1 draft target.
Although leaving the University of Memphis one year early, Lynch had a lot of playing experience. Lynch all 38 of the Tigers’ games from 2013 to 2015. In his career, he posted a 62.9 completion percentage, 59 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions. In addition to his staggering numbers, his passing statistics improved each season he played. Lynch also proved he can be an effective ball carrier, rushing for 687 yards and 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Lynch’s one flaw is that he played in a shotgun-spread system, and his lack of experience in a pro-style offense appeared at the combine.
During the throwing session of the combine, Lynch struggled with footwork. NFL scouts noted that Lynch’s movement was not fluid and that he looked uncomfortable simulating the quarterback-center exchange at times. Despite Lynch’s one concern, the scouts liked everything else he did during the combine. Lynch measured in at 6-foot-7, 244 pounds, running a 4.86 40-yard dash, boasted a 36-inch vertical leap and showed off his tremendous arm strength. For this reason, scouts still believe he is a first-round draft pick and has the potential to be a solid NFL starter.
The Rams are in desperate need of a quarterback. Their experiment with Nick Foles proved to be a waste of time, and if the season started today, their starting quarterback would be Case Keenum. The Rams also have Sean Mannion, who they drafted in the third round in 2014. However, if they were confident in Mannion, the Rams would have played him more in 2015 once they realized Foles and Keenum were both duds. The Rams have a good enough defense to be playoff contender, but they need a quarterback who will make opponents at least respect their offense. Lynch is definitely the guy they are looking for.
Lynch does not need to win games by himself for the Rams. Their defense and offensive weapons like Todd Gurley are going to keep the game close. All Lynch will need to do is manage the game, methodically move the offense down the field and not turn the ball over, which is something he hardly did in his final season at Memphis with just four interceptions and no fumbles. All signs are pointing to Lynch as the type of quarterback the Rams are looking for.
Ever since drafting Sam Bradford in 2010, the Rams have been gun-shy about taking a quarterback in the first round. While they may believe this quarterback class is not as good as years past, the top quarterbacks of this class are better than any quarterback the Rams currently have on the roster. For this reason, the Rams should strongly consider Lynch as their top draft target in 2016.
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