Paxton Lynch: Possible top pick playing in last college game?

Is Memphis QB Paxton Lynch playing his last college football game with the possibility of being a top five pick come time for the 2016 NFL Draft?

The Auburn-Memphis bowl game would seem to have no real intrigue in terms of the actual outcome of the game, but it might be college football fans’ last chance to see Paxton Lynch as a member of a college roster.

Lynch is a projected top pick in the draft, and is likely to leave school early, but nothing is certain yet.

The junior has had a phenomenal season in 2015, completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,670 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Teams are enamored by his 6-7 frame, strong arm, and the ability he has shown to make plays against top level competition.

Our George Stockburger has already written up a scouting report on Lynch, who has almost become the unanimous top quarterback prospect in the country at this point. Any team needing a quarterback is going to have their eyes on the Memphis bowl game against Auburn, and I wanted to point out something about Lynch that I don’t think he gets enough credit for —

Ball distribution.

There are 16 different players on the Memphis roster with a reception this season, including nine players with 10 or more catches. There are 12 different players that have caught a touchdown from Lynch, so you know that when he is seeing pressure or different looks from defenses, he’s able to exploit whatever he wants.

While it would be entertaining to be able to see Lynch in college for another year, his best investment toward his future is going to be leaving for the NFL after this season. Memphis isnt’ a national football power and doesn’t have an overly realistic shot at a national championship, even with Lynch at the QB spot. They won nine games this year with a chance at winning a 10th in this bowl game against Auburn, which would have to be considered a banner season for that university.

Lynch has a chance to be the highest drafted prospect from Memphis since Dontari Poe was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs (11th overall) and then DeAngelo Williams (27th overall) before him.

In fact, he will likely be drafted much higher than both of them. It remains to be seen who will get the number one pick, but if it’s the Tennessee Titans, we know Lynch won’t be going there. Teams will likely be calling the Titans about that top pick if they wind up getting it, just to make sure they are able to secure the services of Lynch, who has the makeup of a franchise quarterback.

Those are hard to come by, and he looks like one of a rare breed.