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The Cincinnati Bengals continue to attend nearly every major college pro day that's taken place over the past week. Even with the start of NFL free agency coming, they know the NFL Draft is where their greatest success has been.
One reason that's true is because of their ability to find prospects in the latter rounds with potential, but also some baggage and/or holes in their game to go with it. That's the case with South Florida defensive end Aaron Lynch, whom the Bengals got an up-close look at on Monday at USF's pro day:
#Bengals D-Line coach Jay Hayes had 1-on-1 w/ Lynch, who said he enjoyed tips from Hayes more than anything. #proday #nfldraft
— Mike (@MikeMalloryUSF) March 10, 2014
Once pegged as a rising star, Lynch had to sit out the 2012 season following his transfer from Notre Dame.
With the Fighting Irish in 2011, Lynch earned freshman All-America honors after leading the team in sacks (5.5) and adding seven tackles-for-loss, 14 quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.
Lynch, a redshirt sophomore who has two years of eligibility remaining, had a strong finish to the season and was a first-team All-AAC selection. He led the Bulls with six sacks and 12.5 tackles for losses while finishing with 30 total tackles.
One of Lynch's issues is his weight. He was listed at just 244 pounds by USF at the beginning of this season (weighed 249 at pro day), and he attributed his lack of weight to his use of Adderall:
USF DE Aaron Lynch said topics he gets asked about most by NFL teams are Notre Dame transfer & weight loss.
— Mike (@MikeMalloryUSF) March 10, 2014
Lynch said he transferred to USF to be w/ wife, said they divorced a couple mths ago. But Lynch's twitter has recent pics of them together.
— Mike (@MikeMalloryUSF) March 10, 2014
Lynch said he lost weight between #NotreDame and #USF due to Adderall prescription. #nfldraft #proday
— Mike (@MikeMalloryUSF) March 10, 2014
As of now, he's been projected as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick. The Bengals probably shouldn't consider him until late in the third round, but he certainly has the talent and potential to get someone to take him earlier than that.