Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch is having an unbelievable year and now has two NFL personnel directors and two NFL scouts reportedly viewing him as the top quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft, according to Chase Goodbread of College Football 24/7.
Former director of college scouting for the Chicago Bears Greg Gabriel used his Twitter account to state that Lynch is hands-down the best quarterback available and that California quarterback Jared Goff is talented but not physically ready. Lynch and Memphis head coach Justin Fuente have taken Memphis' football program and turn it into a contender this season.
The Tigers are 8-0 this season and have a crucial AAC matchup this weekend against the 6-1 Navy Midshipmen. Lynch has already thrown over 2,700 yards this season and has thrown 18 touchdowns to just one interception. The Tigers quarterback has already had scouts see potential in him this season as an NFL franchise quarterback, and his continued success is only moving him up draft boards.
Lynch is a junior at Memphis and has yet to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. While Lynch has continued to rise on draft boards, Goff has seen himself drop. The California quarterback has lost three straight games all to conference opponents. In those games, Goff has thrown seven touchdowns to seven interceptions, and those are not numbers NFL scouts want to see in the Pac-12. Goff has drawn some criticism this season for his poor play, but other analysts still think that he is one of the best choices for an NFL franchise.
As of right now, Lynch looks to be the top quarterback taken in the 2016 draft, but Memphis still has Navy, Houston, and Temple left on their schedule. How Lynch plays in those games could determine where he will go next season, but many teams will be evaluating his play, as he has moved up to become the top quarterback prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft.
