Baylor defensive line prospect James Lynch was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year last season, this after posting 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Yes, in a league known for its offense, Lynch’s defense stood out in a big way. He met with the Cowboys, Titans, Vikings, Bengals and Eagles at the NFL Combine, but he knows that nothing will be given to him at the next level, starting with the NFL Draft.
“It’s been my whole life kind of that way,” Lynch said on The Zach Gelb Show. “I’ve been doubted my whole life, and that’s fine with me because I know what I’m capable of. It is what it is. I’m not mad about anything; I just want to play football. Whoever gives me a chance to go play, I just want to prove them right and prove to people that believed in me and believed in my ability that I am who they say I am. I want to show them that I’m capable of playing football at that next level.”
But what if a team is on the fence about drafting Lynch? What are they getting in him as a player and as a person?
“I’d start with the person part first because I feel like that’s more important,” he said. “I played for Coach [Matt] Rhule, and I was taught a lot of things. I was taught never be late. So being able to trust someone, I feel like I’m accountable and responsible. And as a player, I feel like in my position in this class – no disrespect to anybody else – but I feel like I’m the most versatile and I bring the most to the table.”
Based on mocks and projections, Lynch could be drafted as early as the second round. It all depends on fit, the board, and what teams see in him.
“I feel like I’m the most disruptive and I’m able to do everything,” Lynch said. “So for me, I think I bring the most to the table and I feel like that’s what you want out of a pick. And also, if you’re going to pick me, you’re not getting a football player; you’re getting someone who’s going to try to help a community and someone that’s always going to be somewhere to try to help someone else, so it’s not just a football thing for me. I think I bring so much to the table that it’s hard not to pick me.”