NFL Draft 2011: Cam Newton at a Crossroads, Can He Avoid NFL Failure?

As he held the transparent trophy in his arms and kissed it in front of 90,000 euphoric fans, the future seemed imminent. Cam Newton, the star quarterback of the Auburn Tigers, had a remarkable college career and led his squad to a No. 1 ranking and a BCS Championship win. One of the most highly touted prospects in years, Newton still has his doubters, with good reason.

With off-the-field issues clouding his years at Florida, Newton transferred to Blinn Junior College and then to Auburn, where he quickly established himself as a star. Many salivate over his tools and the potential he flashes. He has the athletic ability that scouts dream about. But he’s got a long road to success, with many expecting him to fail.

Boasting a powerful arm and solid accuracy, Newton is has the perfect quarterback size at 6'5" and 240 pounds. However, he tends to lose focus, which alters his technique. When he’s consistent, he throws tight, accurate tosses to his receivers. On the other hand, he is raw and often loses precision.

His mechanics become sloppy, and it becomes a snowball effect as his frustration prevents improvement. During the BCS Championship game, he missed a 1-yard pass that would have gained a first down. Little inconsistencies will ruin a career. While he has a unique skill-set that will cause jaws to drop at the combine, his head is the real question mark.

His decision-making has been called solid, but Newton is also in a spread offense. Far from a pro-style offense, Gus Malzahn's option offense didn’t require Newton to anticipate routes and read coverages. This is why he needs the most work with his field vision.

In Auburn’s offense, receivers would mostly run routes to get themselves open, using double moves and deep crosses. Newton was rarely asked to fit the ball in tight windows, routinely focusing on one or two routes and running when the throw wasn’t there. This doesn't bode well, considering the expectations that his offensive coordinator will put on him when he is drafted.

This lack of experience might hurt him most now that he must take the snap under center. Taking most of his snaps in the shotgun during his Auburn career, Newton needs to solidify his footwork and adjust to the professional offense. He isn’t used to anything other than shotgun and will struggle to adjust. The key to success at signal caller in the NFL lies in repetition. Just look at Peyton Manning.

What Newton does lack in precision and maturation at the position, he makes up in highlight reel plays and has turned heads with his athletic prowess. His pocket presence is phenomenal and he has the arm to prosper.

With a long road to go, Cam Newton will have to impress his doubters at the combine in late February and the plethora of interviewers he will endure. Many believe he will fail and is just another athlete entering the league. Others see him as a franchise changer. He is an athlete first and a quarterback second. To succeed in the NFL, Newton will need to become a quarterback first and a leader second.

The quest is tedious and adversity omnipresent. Cam Newton has maturing to do before he can take the NFL by storm. Only time will tell whether he is just another first round failure.