Q & A with Windy City Gridiron: How Jordan Lynch Fits in Da Bears' Offense

Hustle Belt: It shouldn't come to a surprise that Jordan Lynch was signed to change positions from quarterback to runningback, even after being a Heisman finalist this past year. But he was just south of throwing for 2,900 yards last year. Why does your team not want him under center?

Windy City Gridiron: I think it's pretty much every team asked him to change positions. But for the Bears specifically, they just gave Jay Cutler a giant contract extension and they drafted David Fales who is a much more accomplished passer, and who is also schooled in a version of the West Coast Offense. 
Personally I would have loved to see a team take a chance on Lynch at quarterback, because I'm a fan of the scrambling style at QB, but realistically a position change seemed best for his long term future in the NFL.

HB: Honestly though, would you be surprised if Lynch were signed as a QB instead?

WCG: I would have been surprised, just because the NFL has evolved into such a passing league these days, and throwing accuracy has become paramount to success. Lynch had some issues with accuracy at NIU, but if a team were to give him a shot at QB it would be a team with taller wide outs, a team like the Bears. If he somehow makes the Bears roster, I'd expect head coach Marc Trestman to get a little creative with him, so we may not have seem the last him him throwing the football.

HB: Matt Forte, Michael Ford, Shaun Draughn, plus Ka'Deem Carey (your 4th round pick in this year's Draft) are all the running backs listed on your roster. Competing with these guys, does Lynch see more playing time than any of these names this season?

WCG: Forte is entrenched as the number one guy, but it's wide open behind him. What will hurt Lynch is the other things a back is asked to do. Block, pick up blitzes, play special teams. The other guys on the roster have an edge in these categories just because Lynch wasn't asked to do them at NIU. Early word from the Bears rooke mini-camp was that Lynch definitely looked the part of a running back. My best guess is Lynch sticks around on the practice squad for at least a season, but once the pads go on he'll have a chance to earn his spot.

HB: I see Lynch as a very physical runner. Will this signing mean that Lynch will be used as one of those short-yardage backs, or do you think they'll let his 6.6 yards per carry in college speak for itself?

WCG: That could be a way he finds his niche on the roster. Historically, short yardage attempts has been the bane of Matt Forte. If Lynch can prove trustworthy in these situations he'll make it tough near cut down day.

HB: This is extremely premature to ask, but how good or bad are Lynch's chances at having a longer career in the NFL than what Tim Tebow had?

WCG: The fact that he is willing to change positions leads me to believe he'll be kept around longer than Tebow. It may take Lynch a year or two on a practice squad, but he sure does seem to have the quickness, desire and attitude to find a home somewhere in the NFL.

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I want to publicly thank Mr. Wiltfong once again for taking time out of his busy life to do this Q & A with me, and I'll keep you folks updated when my answers for him are published as well.