Is Lynn Bowden’s versatility both a blessing and a curse for the Kentucky WR?
Lynn Bowden, Kentucky’s do-it-all wide receiver, made it official on Monday after the junior announced he was entering the 2020 NFL draft.
When Kentucky plays Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl on New Year’s Eve, it will end one of the most spectacular seasons ever for a Wildcat.
https://twitter.com/LynnBowden_1/status/1204135497779408896
Bowden (6-foot-1, 199 pounds) finished the regular season with 1,235 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns while passing for 330 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 INTs after injuries pressed him into quarterback duties.
However, his move to quarterback complicates things for NFL draft evaluators. He won’t play quarterback at the next level, and his lack of tape at receiver this year will force teams to take a close look at his 2018 tape.
First Team All-@SEC @LynnBowden_1
• Leads the SEC (8th nationally) in all-purpose yardage: 153.0 yds/game
• One of 3 players in the top 9 nationally in rushing, receiving, punt & kickoff return yards
• Finalist for the @hornungaward – CFB's most versatile player #BringIt pic.twitter.com/02gOrFIUio— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 9, 2019
And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Bowden caught 30 passes for 348 yards and 1 TD this season, compared to his 67 receptions for 745 yards and 5 TDs as a sophomore.
Bowden also had a game-for-the-ages Nov. 30 against Louisville, rushing for 284 yards and 4 TDs. It’s that big-play ability that has scouts intrigued.
“Bowden isn’t an elite passer, but his unique athletic gifts and versatility could get him drafted fairly high this year should the junior declare,” Pro Football Network’s AJ Schulte said after the Louisville game.