NFL Combine 2011: Could Cam Newton's Workouts Turn into a Disaster?
NFL Combine 2011 Could Be Cam Newton's Destiny or Demise
Cam Newton surprised the masses when he announced he would be taking part in every part of the combine. Some people think Newton's choice was a mistake.
Honestly, it could work out well for Newton who has had his abilities questioned despite winning the Heisman and a BCS championship this year.
However, whatever happens, Newton's stock could be going up or going down based on this weekend's workouts.
So will this weekend be a disaster for Cammy-Cam? Read on to find out.
5. No: Rust Won't Be a Factor
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Just a few weeks ago, Cam Newton had his first workout of the draft process. Was it for an NFL team? No. It was for the media.
While that seems a little bit odd, at least he won't have to shake off any rust. He has recently done combine-style drills in a high-pressure situation.
I think that helps him a little bit. Obviously, it doesn't mean he couldn't still struggle at the combine, but I think it at least helps him a little bit.
5. Yes: Is He Ready for the Wonderlic?
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The Wonderlic may be a little bit of an overrated part of the combine, but honestly, it does mean something otherwise the NFL wouldn't put it out there, right?
Cam Newton has been compared to the likes of Vince Young, and this could be a way for Newton to differentiate himself from the former Longhorn who scored a six the first time he took the test.
I have seen a few predictions for Newton's score, and they aren't great. If he struggles on the Wonderlic, it could be a disaster for Newton.
4. No: Not about His Character
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Cam Newton's physical tools have never been in question as a reason why he doesn't deserve to be drafted towards the top of the draft this year. It has always been about his character.
These drills Newton will be partaking in have nothing to do with the character that he has off the field.
Sure, he will have to go through the interview process with the head coaches and the owners, but that isn't the type of thing that is publicized. If he just concentrates on the drills and uses his athletic ability, it might make people forget all about his questionable character.
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4. Yes: Is He Doing It Just for Show?
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If the workout for the media taught us anything about Cam Newton, it is he loves being the center of attention.
Could that be the whole reason Newton is wanting to go through the entire workout? He wants to see himself on SportsCenter and NFL Network?
Maybe Newton believes in that old adage that any publicity is good publicity.
3. No: Too Intriguing To Pass over
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Despite the questions about his character, Cam Newton is an extremely unique athlete, and that is something that people will always take a risk on in the NFL.
No matter the workout, no matter the Wonderlic, no matter the interview, Newton will be a first-round pick because of the fact that he has some skills that guys only dream about.
Do I think he will struggle badly enough that this becomes an issue? No, but I am just saying that I think people are overblowing this a little bit.
3. Yes: Combine Doesn’t Judge What Newton Is Best at
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What does the combine measure? The short answer is size, speed, strength and smarts. While Cam Newton does have all of those things, those aren't the things that made him special.
The singular thing to mention in regards to Newton is his leadership.
He was the heart and soul of his Auburn team this year, and without him, I really don't think they would have been half the team they ended up being. That was all due to Newton's ability to lead his team. How does the 40 measure leadership?
2. Yes: Motivation To Prove Others Wrong
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Cam Newton does seem to always come up big when the pressure is on, and I think that stems from a desire to prove himself always.
He recently told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he sees himself "not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."
This isn't the first time he has said something that made people scratch their head, however, he has always been able to live up to the hype even if it is self-created.
2. Yes: Is His Arm All That Good?
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I know that Cam Newton really had success throwing the ball this year, but how much of that was due to the fact that he is a good passer and how much was due to the fact that teams were more worried about his running ability?
Newton only threw for 300 yards twice this season and only passed 200 yards eight times.
Sure he is efficient, but he had more game-manager type numbers when throwing the ball. If he struggles throwing the ball at the combine, it could really hurt his stock.
1. No: Shows a Willingness To Do Anything
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I know that I have been critical of Cam Newton's skills throughout this slideshow, but really, the fact that he is even willing to put himself out there and partake in the combine shows that he is serious about showing what he can do.
That isn't to say that Newton couldn't fail in the combine or the NFL, but it shows he has enough confidence in his skills to try anything.
I think that will show scouts more than any of his measurables.
1. Yes: Will Numbers Live Up to Rumors?
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There is no question that Cam Newton is an athletic marvel, however, some of the rumors as far as what his measurables are have been astounding.
I'm sure he is around 6'6" and 250 pounds, but will he really run a 4.4 40? I have no idea.
If the numbers he records at the combine don't live up to the rumored numbers, I think it could hurt him some.
Conclusion: Will Cam Newton's Workout Turn into a Disaster?
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I picked against Cam Newton already once this year before the BCS Championship game, obviously it didn't work out well for me.
So that being said, I think Newton will be just fine at the combine. I don't know if he will have an amazing workout, but he will do enough to justify his stock.
Newton will be a top-10 pick at the end of the day.
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