2014 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Arthur Lynch, TE Georgia

It seems like the conversation at tight end for the New York Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft stops and ends with the top 4 - Eric Ebron, Jace Amaro, Troy Niklas, and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins. Two players are missing from that group and are consequently being underrated. One has already been profiled, C.J Fiedorowicz. Today we're going to look at the other: Georgia Bulldog Arthur Lynch.

Pros

- A do-it-all sort of utility man. A very rich man's Bear Pascoe in that he can play multiple positions, but he can play them well.

- Good length at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds and has solid athleticism to go with it.

- Technically sound blocker in-line. Probably better than Troy Niklas in that regard.

- Reliable route runner that has upside in that regard.

- Great downfield blocker and gets aggressive.

- Team captain.

Cons

- Limited upside catching the ball. Good intermediate target, but won't be confused for Jimmy Graham.

- Has the case of the dropsies at times.

- No special traits that really stand out.  Jack-of-all-trades but master of none.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

If you ascribe to the notion that all the New York Giants need at the tight end position is someone who is big, moderately athletic, a polished blocker and will be a reliable safety cushion for Eli Manning in the passing game at a low price (mid-round pick) then you should be rooting for the Giants to draft this kid. He's pretty much just that, except with some upside.

Prospect Video

Arthur Lynch vs Auburn (2013) (via Adrian Ahufinger)

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 90

Mocking The Draft - 104

CBS Sports - 128

Draft Countdown - 207

Draft Tek - 136

Final Thoughts

I've got Lynch considerably higher than some of these rankings, but I can see why he might be low. He's solid, if unspectacular, and to warrant a higher ranking might require an elite trait in at least some area. He's one of those guys where his versatility and lack of weakness will land him on an NFL roster and keep him there. That's an advantage.

By all accounts, he's also a great locker room presence and was voted team captain, so you know that there's virtually nothing to bother him here. His ceiling for me is Dwayne Allen which I actually think is fairly achievable. He doesn't have the sheer body control and power that Allen has, but he does have similar size, athleticism, and intelligence. His consistency in all areas could stand to improve, but I don't think that's a huge issue either.