New York Jets: 2016 Seven-Round Mock Draft

First-Round: Paxton Lynch

The fact that the Jets haven’t sign Fitzpatrick yet means the quarterback is the biggest position of need in the draft. The Jets were unable to acquire the first overall to select either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, which means they will have to settle for Paxton Lynch.

There is a lot to like about Lynch’s physical attributes, as he is 6’7” and 245lbs. In three seasons at Memphis, Lynch totaled 59 touchdown passes, 23 interceptions, 8,865 passing yards, and a 62.5 completion percentage. Unlike some quarterbacks in recent years who have been ready to play straight out of college, Lynch needs to improve upon some things. Lynch’s big arm was enough to get him by in Memphis, but in the NFL, he will need to improve his throwing mechanics and most importantly, work on his footwork.

A big knock on Lynch was his level of competition, but in 2015, he was a major reason in the upset win against Ole Miss, as he totaled nearly 400 passing yards and three touchdown passes. The Jets need to find themselves a franchise quarterback eventually, and Lynch could be that guy.

Lynch might not be a starter in Week 1 for the Jets, but he could be a building block at the quarterback position for years to come.

Next: Help at TE