With the 101st pick of the 2020 RCF Mock Draft the Seattle Seahawks select...
Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
HtWt: 5'11'' - 204 lbs.
College: Kentucky
My Take:
Didn't realize we'd make it this far, but the Seattle Seahawks add a versatile offensive playmaker for Russell Wilson to use. Bowden is still raw as a receiver but he's dynamic with the ball in his hands and can generate YAC with his physical playing style.
PLAYER BIO:
Bowden was asked to start the final eight games of his junior season at quarterback, and it helped the team achieve bowl eligibility. His versatility earned him the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most outstanding all-purpose player, as well as first-team Associated Press All-American all-purpose recognition. Bowden rushed for 1,468 yards (185 carries, 7.9 per) and 13 touchdowns while also leading the Wildcats in receiving (30-348-11.6, one TD in five starts to begin the year) and contributing as a returner (4-53-13.2 on punts, 9-220-24.4 on kickoffs) to finish in the top five nationally in all-purpose yards. He apologized for his role in a pre-game skirmish with Virginia Tech players prior to the 2019 Belk Bowl. Bowden was a second-team All-SEC pick as an all-purpose performer in 2018, leading the team in receiving (67-745-11.1, five TDs), starring as a returner (25-539-21.6 kickoff returns; 5-146-29.9, two punt returns for TDs -- tied for first nationally) and starting 12 of 13 games played. The former Ohio Division II Offensive Player of the Year from Youngstown (2,277 rushing yards, 1,366 passing yards as a senior) and top 100 overall recruit nationally made the SEC All-Freshman squad for his work on offense (17-210-12.4 receiving) and special teams (37-689-23.5 kick returns) in 13 games in 2017. Bowden has a son, Lynn III.
OVERVIEW:
In a rare twist, Bowden is both versatile and a little bit limited. He might require a plan to maximize his value. While he's a slot receiver by position, creative play-callers can use him as a zone-read quarterback and as a gadget receiver for jet sweeps and a variety of short catch-and-run screens. He's not overly sudden or explosive and some teams may want him to prove he can be more than a glorified running back. He's instinctive, highly competitive and makes big plays. His development as a receiver was slowed due to his move to quarterback in 2019, but his return talent and versatility gives him a chance to contribute immediately as he waits to become a starting slot.
STRENGTHS:
- Well-built with above-average play strength
- Highly competitive
- Creative play-callers will love his versatility
- Has zone read, running back and jet sweep value
- Runs with excellent vision and toughness
- Slippery but strong with ball in his hands
- Very difficult for first tackler to get him down cleanly
- Has some vertical value from the slot
- Quick catch-and-tuck to get upfield after catch
- Hard to jar ball loose from him at catch-point
- Fearless, efficient and effective as kick returner
WEAKNESSES:
- Needs room to operate on catch-and-run throws
- Feet lack explosiveness in short spaces
- Carries ball loosely and is prone to fumble
- One-speed route-runner
- Isn't going to be a big separator from break points
- Route-running is a little dull and unconvincing
- Needs to prove value beyond line of scrimmage
- Unnatural catching kickoffs and punts
DRAFT PROJECTION:
Rounds 3
NFL COMPARISON:
Randall Cobb
@sportscoach an the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock