NFL mock draft Week 17 edition: Bold trades set the tone

QB. Memphis. Paxton Lynch. 5. player. 42. <p>Quarterback was the position that made the San Francisco 49ers a dynasty and it’s the position that has held them back after getting so close in 2012. Colin Kaepernick has steadily regressed, and hit rock bottom this year following the departure of Jim Harbaugh. His replacement, Blaine Gabbert, has played better than expected but hasn’t exactly set the world on fire – certainly not enough to convince anybody he’s a long-term option.</p> <p>Their offense is averaging just 14.6 points per game this season and is 30th in passing with 197 yards per game. Collectively the two quarterbacks have tossed 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and been sacked 52 times. The numbers all around spell out one word: ugly. If this team is to get back into the NFC West picture, it may need a reboot under center.</p> <p>The name Paxton Lynch didn’t rise on radars until midway through the 2015 season but it has picked up steam since. At 6’7 he’s a quarterback with prototypical size, a live arm and throws with the kind of accuracy and rhythm that can make him hard to stop at times. He’s also pretty mobile, able to keep plays alive or take off and run. Playing at Memphis will create questions of his preparedness for the NFL, but he’s performed well against top competition.</p>