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| Jordan Lynch trying to find his niche with the Bears. Photo Credit: Jeff Haynes, AP |
It was apparent from the moment that Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch declared his eligibility for the 2014 NFL Draft that teams were more interested in the Jordan Lynch that ran for 3,735 yards and 42 touchdowns, as opposed to the Jordan Lynch that threw for 6,030 yards and 49 touchdowns.
While the Heisman Trophy finalist showcased his ability to throw the ball in college, it was ability -or lack there of- to throw in big games that made NFL scouts seek a position change for him. Many point to Lynch’s lackluster performance in January’s East-West Shrine Game (2-of-7, 3 yards, 2 interceptions) as a major example.
Other examples include the 2013 MAC Championship Game (50-percent completion percentage, 5.5 yards per completion, 35.8 quarterback rating), the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl (2-of-13 combined on NIU’s final two possessions) and most notably the Orange Bowl beat down at the hands of Florida State two seasons ago (15-of-41, 176 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 18.2 quarterback rating).
Lynch was a dominant force on the college gridiron and in the process he brought a new level of respect to his alma matter. But in all reality, his feet did more talking than his arm did.
When all of the initial scouting reports gave Lynch more praise for his running than his passing, Lynch decided that he do would do whatever it took to make an NFL roster, even if that meant changing positions.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, NIU’s pro day and in private workouts with NFL teams; Lynch worked out as a quarterback, running back and even did some defensive back drills. Through it all, Lynch said that while he was willing to switch positions, his ultimate desire was to play quarterback.
Perhaps that desire is why he went undrafted in last week’s draft. But Lynch is too good of a talent to pass up, hence the reason why the Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent. He’s now taking part in rookie mini-camp at Halas Hall, and he has a lot to prove.
Yes he grew up in the Chicago area, yes he played his high school ball at legendary Mount Carmel High and his college accomplishments speak for themselves. But that alone won’t get him a spot on the Bears roster. Lynch has a steep, uphill climb ahead of him.
The Bears plan to use Lynch as a running back, a position that the Bears are fully stocked at. Aside from Matt Forte the Bears also have Michael Ford who played 12 games as a rookie in 2013. They signed Shaun Draughn in free agency, and used their fourth round draft pick on Arizona standout Ka’Deem Carey.
In addition to finding a spot on the depth chart, Lynch also has to adapt to new fundamentals. For starters, he’ll need to add weight to his frame to better withstand the physical punishment endured by NFL running backs.
He also needs to adjust his running style. Lynch is a hard downhill runner, but he’ll need to start running more laterally. He also needs to learn how to run routes as well as blocking, pass protection and blitz pick up.
It won’t happen overnight but this weekend’s mini-camp is a good place to start. Perhaps Lynch can earn his keep on special teams. The Bears are in need of a new kick returner now that Devin Hester is gone. The Bears may also use Lynch in the wildcat formation and maybe some read option as well.
The potential is there, but Lynch will once again need to tap into his ability to overcome adversity. It will be a victory for him if he can at least make the practice squad.
