At least two NFL draft analysts believe the Dallas Cowboys or San Diego Chargers could move back into the first round to take Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, who held his official pro day workout on Wednesday.
According to Mike Mayock and Bucky Brooks of NFL Network, both the Cowboys and Chargers could have the opportunity to swing a trade at the end of the first round to secure a quarterback of the future for the franchise.
“If they don’t want to pull the trigger on a (Carson) Wentz or a (Jared) Goff at Nos. 3 and 4, now you come back around in the second round,” Mayock said, via NFL.com. “Would either of them trade up into the first round to try and get that fifth year of a contract, and develop this young man in a perfect situation behind either a (Philip) Rivers or a (Tony) Romo?”
The Cowboys hold the No. 34 overall pick in the second round, while the Chargers sit one selection behind Dallas at No. 35.
The two clubs may have to jump over a team such as the Denver Broncos (No. 31 overall) to ensure a chance at drafting Lynch.
The Memphis quarterback threw 28 touchdowns and just four interceptions for the Tigers last season. He finished his collegiate career with 59 touchdown passes and 17 rushing scores.
Landing in a place like Dallas or San Diego—where playing right away isn’t a concern—might be Lynch’s best path.
“He may come in and it may take him some time to get on the field, but in terms of his long-term potential and talent, he has more talent than some of the other guys in the class,” Brooks said. “Because of that, he could pass them. But it may not be in year one or two, it may be in year three or four when he finally realizes that potential.”
Rivers is 34 years old. He is signed in San Diego through the 2019 season. Romo is 35, also with a contract keeping him in Dallas through 2019. Drafting Lynch in the first round would give both franchises a developmental quarterback with the ability to be kept on a rookie deal through 2020.
