Cleveland Browns draft profile: Paxton Lynch

Lynch makes a lot of sense for the Browns if, and only if, their number one guy goes to the Rams. Because Lynch is a project at this point and Griffin is likely to be the week one starter, Lynch could sit for first season and depending on how he progresses and the health and play of Griffin, he could be in position to take over in 2017.

While Josh Gordon was denied reinstatement to the league, if Cleveland can grab one or two solid receivers at No. 32 and in the middle rounds, Lynch could have what so many past Browns quarterbacks have not had: reliable receivers to throw to.

The way he played in college could also transfer well to the players already on this Browns offense. With a year in the NFL under Duke Johnson’s belt, he will likely see an increased role in this offense, not only as a rusher but as a pass catcher as well. Lynch was used to having the running back as an option on almost every play in college, and also threw to his running backs often on either a screen or short route across the middle.

Bottom line is this, Lynch should not be, and likely is not the Browns top choice, but if the conditions are right and Cleveland can get a good enough haul, moving back and still getting quarterback should be taken under serious consideration. And as mentioned earlier, the signing of Griffin sets it up perfectly to draft someone like Lynch, who is someone who wouldn’t realistically be expected to start year one on a team with no quarterback, on a team that already has their starter for next year.