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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) looks for an open receiver during a game against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) looks for an open receiver during a game against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #7: San Francisco 49ers – Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

The 49ers can’t win for losing. No one expected them to end up with a draft pick this high, or to be looking for another franchise quarterback. But here they are. New head coach Chip Kelly may yet think he can resuscitate Colin Kaepernick in his hurry-up spread system, but regardless he’ll no doubt be looking to do something in San Francisco that he never did in Philadelphia; draft his own young signal-caller to groom. Lynch may be the third best choice behind Goff and Wentz, but he has all the makings of a potential franchise leader.

What stands out first about Lynch is his size. He’s massive for a QB at 6’6″ and 230 pounds, but surprisingly he’s extremely mobile, can move around in the pocket and even make plays with his feet or throwing on the run. He comes from an athletic family and it shows in his movement skills.

He has a strong arm but also shows advanced touch, with a knack for knowing when NOT to gun it. He’s experienced, starting 39 straight games to end his Memphis career, but played poorly in his final bowl game appearance against Auburn.

If Chip Kelly believes he can get decent production out of Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert for a year so Lynch has time to acclimate to the NFL, the 49ers might finally have a franchise quarterback in Lynch.

Next: On the clock: Miami

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