Nike signs NFL draft hopeful QB Paxton Lynch

Oct 17, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) passes the ball against the Mississippi Rebels during the game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers beat Mississippi Rebels 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) passes the ball against the Mississippi Rebels during the game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers beat Mississippi Rebels 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Draft prospect Paxton Lynch has signed an endorsement deal with Nike Football.

Nike Football just announced the signing of former University of Memphis quarterback and 2016 NFL Draft hopeful Paxton Lynch. Nike made an official announcement via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, welcoming Lynch to the Nike family.

After flying under the radar for the majority of his collegiate career, Lynch had a monster 2015 campaign, throwing for 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions and a 66.8 completion percentage. Finishing with a 9-4 record, Lynch earned first team All-American Athletic Conference honors, and even received some mid-season Heisman hype after an upset win over Ole Miss.

While Lynch is not expected to be the first quarterback taken off the board during this April’s draft, Nike hopes the 6’6″ prospect will be selected in the first round, saying as much when describing the illustration in the above tweet.

“Paxton Lynch is expected to be a first-round draft pick. In the background of the illustration is the iconic Memphis Pyramid located in downtown Memphis on the banks of the Mississippi River. The Tiger pays tribute to the University of Memphis.”

However, noted NFL Draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper both projected the former Memphis Tiger as a second round pick, going 37th overall to the San Fransisco 49ers in their latest mock drafts. McShay even has Michigan State’s Connor Cook getting drafted before Lynch as the third QB taken off the board.

Nike Football will continue to announce new “rookies” to its corporate roster leading up to the April 28 NFL Draft.

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