Baylor defensive end James Lynch makes decision on whether or not he'll return for senior season or enter NFL Draft

By Doug Holleman

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Baylor defensive end James Lynch has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after three seasons. 

Lynch, a Round Rock product, was Matt Rhule’s first visit after accepting the Baylor job in December 2016. He was a three-star recruit, but his growth exceeded all expectations. 

The true junior was named a first-team All-American by multiple outlets after a devastatingly dominant 2019 season. He posted 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and two blocked field goals. 

Lynch leaves Baylor with a program record 22 sacks. His success as a pass rusher in a three-man front helped make Baylor’s defense one of the best in college football. During his time in Waco, Baylor became the second team in college football history to flip from 11 losses to 11 wins in two seasons. 

According to a report from KCEN, Rhule’s decision to leave for the Carolina Panthers helped cement Lynch’s decision to leave early. With Lynch’s announcement, Baylor is now losing its entire defensive line. Defensive back Grayland Arnold also declared early for the NFL draft. 

Lynch was a two-time district defensive lineman of the year at Round Rock High School. As a senior, he posted 46 tackles 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks for a 10-win Dragons squad that reached the regional final. 

With the entire defensive line gone, Josh Landry and TJ Franklin are expected to be the next guys up at defensive end. Rising junior Chidi Ogbonnaya also showed major potential at defensive tackle. The Bears are losing nine of 11 starters overall on defense and likely will have to learn a new defensive system in 2020.

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!

We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years. By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!