Aaron Lynch

Lynch transferred to South Florida from Notre Dame following his freshman year in 2011 after racking up 7.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries for the Fighting Irish. In light of his promising 2011 display, many assumed the Cape Coral native would be a one-and-done dominant force in the AAC during the 2013 season, and would command top 25 consideration in the 2014 draft. The one-and-done part turned out to be correct, but Lynch was a far cry from the explosive disrupter at South Florida that his freshman tape showed, as he appeared technically sloppy, disinterested and downright bored at times. He also dropped in weight a bit, and didn't appear to possess the same power that had previously shown. There's no doubt that Lynch has similar tools and natural ability that some of the NFL's best defensive linemen possess, but does he have the drive, discipline and desire to rebound from a disappointing NCAA curtain call?

positives

A freakish athlete with a rare combination of size, speed and length, Lynch explodes off the ball with an impressive first step, exhibits powerful hands to clear a path and closes with elite burst. At 6-6 and just under 250 pounds (was once around 260 while at Notre Dame), Lynch has room to add mass without losing a step, and offers the versatility of lining up at either end, or even along the interior on passing downs.

quinton coples, de, new york jets - it's hard to find an nfl comp for a guy who possesses physical tools that most players would only dream of having, yet doesn't appear to be very motivated to maximize them. the reason it's hard to find a comp for such a player is because most of those guys either never make it, or simply don't last long at the next level.

One player who may be considered a success story to some extent, however, is Coples, who, like Lynch, entered the league amidst great skepticism regarding his chances of being an NFL success, due to a lack of consistent interest and effort on tape despite possessing freakish physical tools.

lynch's technique and effort have digressed immensely from the guy we saw two years ago at notre dame, and as a result he was extremely inconsistent in his lone season at south florida. questions abound as to whether or not he has the attitude, team-first mentality and dedication required to succeed at the next level. does not play to the whistle, and often cuts his pursuit short when a play is moving away from him.

COMPARES TO

coples has amassed 10 sacks as a 3-4 end over his first two years in the nfl, and is beginning to show flashes of the player many scouts knew he had the potential to be. lynch has similar upside, but the team that picks him will certainly be taking a gamble.

--Derek Stephens (2/4/14)

when the motor is running, lynch has appeared unstoppable at times. has everything you look for in an nfl end, in terms of physical gifts.

NEGATIVES

Coached by Joe Bowen at Island Coast HS

rated the sixth-best player nationally in 2010 by 24/7 Sports

ranked as third-best defensive end and 15th-best prospect overall in ESPN 150 ratings

listed 36th on SuperPrep Elite 50 squad

ranked 22nd on MaxPreps Top 100 breakdown

rated 28th-best player overall and third-best strong-side defensive end in nation by Rivals.com

ranked 19th on Rivals Florida Postseason 100 list

rated 91st-best prospect nationally by Sporting News

listed 10th on Scout Top 100 breakdown

played in U.S. Army All-American Bowl and registered 2.5 sacks

ranked sixth in sacks among Florida Division 2B players and 83rd in state in 2010

selected Florida first-team all-state

tabbed by Gainesville Sun as one of Florida's top 50 seniors

selected to Florida Times-Union Super 75 squad following senior season

named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Division 16 team

Fort Myers News-Press all-area selection

registered 31 solo stops and 10.5 sacks during senior campaign

led team to 11-2 record and Florida 2B state semifinal playoff appearance

completed his junior season in 2009 with 52 total tackles, 35 assists, 16 sacks, and two fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown

graduated from high school in December 2010 and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2011.

Son of Alice Lynch

majoring in interdisciplinary social science.