Paxton Lynch continues to get exposed vs Auburn

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) passes against Auburn Tigersa in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Anytime a pro prospect is called the best at his position, especially quarterbacks, the more scrutiny the go under. Such was the case for Paxton Lynch, who was annointed after throwing for 384 yards and three touchdowns against an overrated, mediocre Mississippi team. Being 6’6″ with a strong arm and good athleticism really turned the NFL on about him.

Then Lynch went on to have two more big games and against Tulsa and Tulane to get more attention. And with that attention on him, Lynch started to get his flaws exposed against more mediocre comptetion. He lost three in a row and didn’t exactly light it up against Navy, Houston and Temple.

And after coming back with another huge game against a bad SMU team, it was time to show his stuff in a bowl game. His opponent would be Auburn, a mediocre SEC team just like Mississippi. And in this game, all Lynch would do is continue to get his flaws exposed.

On the day, he was 16-37 for 108 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in 31-10 loss. Sure, he has that size and athleticism he uses well to get outside the pocket and make throws on the run. But what continues to get exposed is his lack of accuracy down the field and inability to deliver the ball under pressure.

His pocket presence looked better in the bowl game than earlier in the season and his release also improved. But he can’t compete in the release department with Cal’s Jared Goff or Michigan State’s Connor Cook. However, he may still may be the first quarterback off the board because of his height weight, and athleticism.

But first, he has to announce he’s coming out in the 2016 NFL Draft.