Lynn Bowden’s NFL Combine Comparison

MORE SKILLS MEANS MORE MONEY IN THE SHOW

QB Lynn Bowden electrified the Big Blue Nation. The junior led the Wildcats to an 8-5 record, a Governor’s Cup victory, and a Belk Bowl win in 2019. WR Lynn Bowden is at the NFL Combine vying for a job in professional football. His college to pro path would have been unprecedented at most football programs. Not at the University of Kentucky. Bowden’s UK career is eerily parallel to that of Randall Cobb. This comparison can’t be viewed solely on a positional basis. Matter of fact, an argument could be made that the Cobb/Bowden debate is for the title of “Best Ever” Wildcat. Their strengths were versatility, determination, toughness, and leadership. Let’s take a look.

Lynn Bowden NFL Combine Comparison: Randall Cobb

Randall Cobb is considered to be an all-time great at the University of Kentucky. Extremely versatile, he played quarterback, receiver, punt and kickoff returner as well as handling the holding duties on field goals. Cobb’s UK career was tremendous. His career totals are mind blowing: 228 carries, 1313-yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. He was equally effective as a pass catcher: 144 receptions, 1661-yards, and 13 touchdowns. Cobb was also a key contributor in punt/kick returns. He was drafted in the 2^nd round by the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers found Cobb to be a reliable receiving option as the pair developed a bond on and off the football field. 2014 was Cobb’s best NFL season after catching 91 passes for 1287-yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s entering his 10^th season as a receiver and returner for the Dallas Cowboys. Lynn Bowden did what many said could never be done: match Randall Cobb’s effectiveness for the Wildcats. Both have an intense desire to compete and it showed. The Bowden story has been told multiple times but his enthusiasm to play quarterback when his team desperately needed a spark and willing his team eight wins are historical achievements. Lynn Bowden the quarterback had a career day in his last game at Kroger Field. Facing the Louisville Cardinals in the Governor’s Cup, he carried the football 22-times for 284-yards, and 4 touchdowns. His scores came from 6, 60, 46, and 32-yards respectively. Bowden then chose to play in the Belk Bowl where more magic awaited. The junior had 34 carries for 223-yards which was capped off by a 13-yard touchdown pass to Josh Ali following an eight minute, 85-yard scoring drive in the 4^th quarter to beat Virginia Tech. His NFL projections are all over the place. The fact that he played quarterback in college will help in his professional quest as a receiver. Much like Cobb, Bowden will be a quick study on the league’s complicated pass defenses. He can also be used as a punt/kick returner and situational running back. More skills mean more money in the Show.

	Randall Cobb		Lynn Bowden
Height	5'10 1/4		5'10 5/8
Weight	191 lbs.		204 lbs.
Bench Press	16
40-Yard	4.46
Vertical	33 1/2
Years Started	3		3
Honors	All SEC, All American		All SEC, All American, Hornung Award

What does all this mean?

“We’ll never see another athlete like Randall Cobb at Kentucky” was a statement made by many fans in 2010. But we did. It was Lynn Bowden. He will not run the 40 at the NFL Combine due to a hamstring issue. If teams are caught up on his 40-time, then they are missing out on a complete evaluation. Consistently running around, through, and by SEC defenders; his on-field elusiveness is more than sufficient proof validating his transition to the professional game. Lynn Bowden and Randall Cobb are all-time UK greats. The duo has many on-field similarities which makes this an easy comp. As for now, Cobb’s a Cowboy. Bowden’s journey is just now starting in Indianapolis.