Memphis QB Paxton Lynch Stakes Claim To First Overall Pick

Nov 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike in some previous years, it’s been difficult for experts to pinpoint who will be the first player taken in the 2016 NFL draft.  For much of the college football season, that honor belonged to Cal quarterback Jared Goff.  That has since cooled with a number of flaws he has yet to iron out.

Then it shifted to Ohio State pass rusher Joey Bosa, by all accounts the best defender in the class and as clean a prospect as there is in terms of can’t-miss projection.  However, his time atop the mountain is now under threat as well.  Who is the assailant?  Easily the surprise sensation of 2015 in Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch.

Already viewed as a top 10 selection with his massive 6’7″ frame, live arm and poise when running an advanced offense, he took his game to record-setting levels against Southern Methodist University.

"“Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch tied an FBS record with seven touchdown passes in a half in a season-ending 63-0 rout of SMU on Saturday.It was a short day for the Tigers’ star — he threw just 14 passes on the day — as Memphis led 56-0 at the half.Lynch finished 9 of 14 for 222 yards, and completed his touchdown throws to seven different receivers in the first half.The win capped what has been a special season for Memphis (9-3), which beat Ole Miss, challenged for an AAC title and found itself with one of the biggest stars of the college season in Lynch, whose 28 touchdown passes this season are a school record. NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt reported Saturday that Memphis coach Justin Fuente will fill the head-coaching vacancy at Virginia Tech.”"

Putting up seven touchdowns in a game is one thing for a college quarterback.  To do it that many times in a single half?  That’s special, regardless of the opponent.  Barring an injury, it seems like only a poor showing at the scouting combine can derail the runaway train that is the Paxton Lynch campaign for going first overall in 2016.