2014 NFL Combine Preview: Five Quarterbacks to Watch

Dec 26, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jordan Lynch (6) celebrates after a touchdown run in the first half against the Utah State Aggies during the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jordan Lynch

School: Northern Illinois
What to Watch: 40 Time, Bench Press, Cone Drill
2013 Stats: 253-404 (62.6%), 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions; 292 carries, 1,920 yards
Met with Chiefs: No

Heisman Trophy finalist Jordan Lynch is going to be an interesting prospect to watch throughout the draft process. Start with the rushing numbers and the passing accuracy numbers and you’ll understand the immediate appeal. Some will knock his competition, but the MAC has produced some very good quarterbacks in the last 15 years, with Ben Roethlisberger being the crown jewel.

Like we talked about with Garoppolo, quarterbacks don’t usually throw at the combine, so Lynch has to stand out as an athlete. He’s going to come in undersized (listed as 6-0), so things like the cone drills and the 40-yard dash are going to be big for him. He’s likely not a starter in the NFL, but if can convince a team he can be a dynamic backup option then that may be enough to get his foot in the door.

If he can prove his athleticism, his production is going to be hard to look past. In the past two years he has combined to rush for 3,735 yards and 42 touchdowns. He completed over 60% of his passes in the last two years and totaled 49 touchdowns. He’s worth a late round flier.