Kentucky Football: Where will Lynn Bowden Jr. land in 2020 NFL Draft?

Kentucky football’s Lynn Bowden Jr. is one of the most interesting players in the draft class. Where will the athlete land in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Is Lynn Bowden more Antwaan Randle-El, Hines Ward or is he more Randall Cobb? Every scout, coach and general manager is attempting to answer that question.

Like Bowden, both Ward and Cobb played receiver, running back and quarterback. Randle-El played quarterback exclusively at Indiana.

The comparisons are all about how he might project at the next level. If teams see him like Ward, they think he can develop into a No. 1 receiver — Ward was the most productive receiver in Steeler history. Cobb has played almost exclusively in the slot during his career and Randle-El was all over the field and returned kicks and punts.

Bowden was a high school quarterback in high school who went to Kentucky and converted to a wide receiver while in Lexington. He was an All-SEC freshman and an All-American and Paul Hornung Award winner as a senior.

After a 67-reception junior season, he stepped in to play quarterback the final eight games of the season after transfers and injuries depleted the quarterback depth chart. While at quarterback, Bowden ran for 1,468 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Strengths

Bowden is a gamer. After injuries to Terry Wilson and Sawyer Smith, he stepped in to play quarterback. This shows that he is adaptable and is capable of learning a system and executing it proficiently. He is a team guy willing to do whatever is asked of him for his team to win.

Bowden is a fantastic athlete with all of the measurables you want in a receiver. He’s 5-11 and 204 separation-type speed. In addition to his measurables, Bowden is super-competitive with a knack for making big plays in important situations.

His versatility was on full display this season playing receiver, quarterback and some running back. He’s been reliable in the return game as well. Bowden also has terrific football instincts.

Weaknesses

While admirable and necessary, stepping in to play quarterback this season slowed his development at wide receiver. This was important for Bowden’s prospects at the next level because he is not a natural route runner.

Bowden possesses elite top-end speed, but he is not explosive with his feet or in and out of breaks when running routes. His ability to run jet-sweeps and zone option as a quarterback might lead some scouts to believe he is a “gimmick or gadget” player.

He struggles to separate at the line of scrimmage even in the slot. He can carry the ball loosely and fumble at times. Bowden needs to play in an offense that can use his versatility but also allow him to develop as a receiver.

Draft Projection

Bowden is the definition of a value pick. He has immediate value in the return game as well as running jet sweeps and as an option quarterback while developing his skills as a slot receiver. It remains to be seen if he can develop as a No. 1 like Ward. He is explosive in space like Cobb, however.

He would be an absolute steal in the fourth round. Ironically, where Ward was taken — third round, 92nd overall — is about where Bowden’s value is.

Projection: Third round (No. 92 overall to Ravens)