QB or Not QB: The Jordan Lynch Question

Any fan of #MACtion knows who Jordan Lynch is. In fact, I'd go so far as to say he became a household name last December, when he finished third in the Heisman voting. But after less than stellar performances in the MAC Championship, Poinsettia Bowl, and Shrine Game the doubters have multiplied and many have been asking the burning question.

Is Lynch an NFL quarterback or is a position change needed?

Many NFL scouts believe a change will need to happen in order for him to make it at the next level. In fact, they went so far as to ask Lynch to take part in running back drills at the combine, which he gladly did. Then, at NIU's Pro Day on March 8th, they asked Lynch to do defensive back drills. Once again, he did. And in both those extracurricular drills Lynch claimed to have received positive feedback, notably on how quick his footwork was.

It's hard to find an article about Lynch that doesn't recommend that he change to a running back or safety. Go ahead and try... see, I told you.

However, there is one person that believes wholeheartedly that Lynch can make it as an NFL quarterback: Jordan Lynch.

"I always say I'm a quarterback first and there is no doubt in my mind I'll continue to do that. And you know what, what I tell teams is they're going to make a huge mistake if they don't put me at quarterback," Lynch told USA Today's Nate Davis.

There have been so many comparisons between him and Tim Tebow these last few years and, statistically and talent wise, they might be very even. But there is one glaring difference between the two. While Lynch wants to stay a quarterback (and feels he has the talent and stats to do so), Lynch is not stubborn. He knows that he might have to move to a new position if he's going to make it in the NFL.

Lynch is willing to do whatever it takes, telling Davis "Anything to get my foot in the door. If they want me to run down a kickoff and butt heads, I’ll do that. I’m a team guy, and I’ll buy into any system."

Which is good because there are two main routes that most analysts take.

1. Move him to running back
2. Move him to safety

Moving him to running back seems most likely since anyone who watched an NIU game saw him run the ball as much as he passed the ball. He's a powerful runner and quite elusive for his size. Even Lynch stated that he'd rather stay on offense because he likes the ball to be in his hands.

A smaller group find Lynch would make a nice safety. But since he has not played on defense since high school, his skill set for that might be rusty (to say the least).

However, there is a third option: Give him a shot a QB and if he fails, change his position.

So far, this option seems least likely. But Lynch has said that 10 teams approached him at the combine about playing quarterback - including his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.

I believe he has shown that he can be successful at under center. Give him the chance and, if all else fails, at least he's willing to move to another spot on the field. He's competitive, he's a winner, and he has made a habit of proving doubters wrong at every level of competition. Forget Tebow. Lynch could be the next Russell Wilson. What's the harm in giving him a shot as a quarterback first?

But the next big question is: will Lynch even be drafted? Or will he be signed as a free agent? But that's a discussion for another day.