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Edge Rushers: Aaron Lynch, South Florida

Today we take a look at a player that can immediately upgrade the Chargers pass rush

By Kyle Posey
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday I went over two cornerbacks that I felt would really fit the Chargers, in Bradley Roby and Kyle Fuller. Today I'm going to go over 2 edge rushers that I feel fit the Chargers well. No, there will be no Jadeveon Clowney, Anthony Barr, or Khalil Mack, because San Diego doesn't have a shot. Allow me to introduce you to Aaron Lynch.

Where He Excels

  • Very Flexible Around the Edge
  • Good Snap Anticipation with Excellent Closing Speed-Great Combo to have
  • Still has the functional strength from when he was a DT
  • Powerful, violent hands, Jolts offensive lineman back
  • Advanced skill set for college pass rusher
  • Very good athlete. Is comfortable dropping in coverage
  • Incredible arm Length. Incredible.

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The above GIF shows the power Lynch has not only in his hands, but how much he can generate when he gets his arms extended. Lynch is also a finisher. He has top level closing speed that allows him to finish what he started.

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This sack is the definition of "bending the edge." By that, I mean staying as tight to the offensive tackle as possible without being blocked. Charger fans should be familiar with this having watched Dwight Freeney. Flexibility is needed to pull this off and you can see how Lynch is able to dip here that he is plenty flexible.

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Again, when Lynch uses the arm length, tackles have a tough time blocking him. Lynch has the physical tools to generate speed to power, but he can also be a "length & strength" power rusher. Not many players have that type of versatility. He has an advanced skill set for a college pass rusher. He has violent hands that allow him to jolt lineman back with ease. He has an impressive arm over counter to the inside. He's also very effective on stunts. Finally, he has the hip and lower body flexibility that allow him to bend the edge. Combine that with his above average snap anticipation and excellent closing burst, so it's easy to see how he'll be a very good pass rusher at the next level. When/If coached up to learn to use his length properly and play with better pad level, you're looking at a top 10 edge rusher at the next level, he's that good.

Where He Can Improve

  • Playing with Better leverage. Stands straight up a lot
  • Doesn't use his length to his advantage at all
  • Not a "see through the QB" rusher. Gets way too involved with offensive lineman
  • More of a snap anticipation than explosive first step
  • Though he has powerful hands, could do a better job of hand fighting/disengaging
Lynch has a bad habit of popping straight up out of his stance. This causes him to lose the leverage battle instantaneously. Another issue Lynch has is he still plays with a DT mentality, his former position. He runs into offensive lineman without using his stellar arm length. That allows lineman to get their hands on him and get underneath his pads. That's where he loses, by not using his length and not doing a better job of hand fighting to keep himself clean. Motor isn't an issue, he just doesn't play with the same edge he did as a freshman, there's a difference.

How He Fits as a Charger

He fits in Freeney's role, as the weak side "Jack LB." Fans are surprised at the lack of sacks from Melvin Ingram, but deploying him from the edge just isn't his game. Ingram is a chess piece that should be used everywhere. Lynch gives the Chargers that true edge rusher. Lynch has the skill set to come in an immediately upgrade the pass rush. Because of his strength, he's more than just a situational pass rusher. Lynch could go anywhere from the late 2nd round to the 5th round due to inconsistent play and some even question his character(which I believe is unfair.) Drafting Lynch anywhere after the second round is an absolute steal.


Thanks to the good folks at Draft Breakdown for making these Videos Available

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