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Paxton Lynch shows off strong arm for NFL scouts

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Could Lynch be Rams QB of the future? (2:07)

Mel Kiper Jr. explains why former Memphis QB Paxton Lynch could be an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Rams with the 15th pick in the NFL draft, but Todd McShay isn't sure the Rams are willing to wait on Lynch to develop. (2:07)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- On an overcast, blustery day, Paxton Lynch did his best to show off his strong arm and leadership skills to NFL scouts Wednesday at Memphis' pro day.

Lynch is projected as a possible first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and he completed 57 of 69 passes before approximately 25 scouts at Memphis' practice field. With winds hovering around 25 mph, the workout was moved up about an hour to avoid possible thunderstorms.

Lynch said he thought he did well in the windy conditions.

"I saw it as a challenge," Lynch said. "I kind of got a chance to come out and show my arm off."

Arm strength is not the question for Lynch, a 6-foot-7 quarterback who entered the draft after his junior season. He completed 63 percent of passes for 8,863 yards in his career. But he ran a spread offense for the Tigers, so NFL teams have questions about his footwork when dropping back to pass.

Lynch is considered possibly the No. 3 quarterback available behind Carson Wentz of North Dakota State and Jared Goff of California.

Lynch threw an array of carefully scripted passes with success, including short out routes, screens and crossing patterns. Conditions sometimes made longer routes more of a challenge.

At one point, after sailing a ball past a receiver, Lynch patted himself on the chest and said, "That's on me."

On other long throws, he showed a nice touch.

"There were a couple of times, I was just a little off," Lynch said. "But most of [the throws] I was really happy with the placement of them."

Lynch's agent, Leigh Steinberg, described his client's performance as "pretty spectacular."

"Our theme was shock and awe," Steinberg said. "In the midst of a heavy wind, he came out and was incredibly effective."

After about 35 minutes, several people, including former Tennessee Titans coach and current San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, asked Lynch to throw specific routes.

Lynch's receivers were mostly Memphis teammates, including Tevin Jones, Mose Frazier and Alan Cross. Lynch said it was nice to have familiar receivers around and that the workout gave them a chance to showcase their skills for scouts.