Cam Newton's Effect on the 2011 Draft

As the days turn and the Cam Newton saga continues, many different scenarios of how it all will play out are being discussed in the media.  Namely, the question: What would happen if Auburn were to win the National title with Cam Newton at the helm and he later be deemed ineligible to play?  Auburn would most likely be looking at forfeiting wins and scholarships if Newton is ineligible.

Since the case is now in the hands of the NCAA this is Auburn’s dilemma.  They have decided that Newton will be eligible and are taking the gamble to keep playing him.  Time will tell if that decision will pan out—Reggie Bush would tell them not to hold their breath.

I like to think about how all this fits into the scope of the NFL Draft.  Newton is going to enter the draft. No ifs, ands, buts or maybes about it.  He is going to get the hell out of Dodge asap.

So with Newton now going into the draft what happens?

Obviously, someone is going to pick him in the first rounf.  You rarely (never) see a QB 6’6 250 lbs that can do what Cam does.  The only halfway decent comparison you can make is Ben Roethlisberger, but even then “Big Ben” cannot elude tacklers the way Cam can. The kid is something truly special.

Who takes him?  Minnesota? Zygi Wilf’s team produces nearly the lowest amount of revenue in the league and Brett Favre will be leaving... that would be a nice move.  The Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers will be selecting in the top 2 and both could dump their starters for a once in a lifetime prospect like Newton.

But the team to keep an eye on, folks, is the Miami Dolphins. (What?!) Yes.  Both Chad Henne and Pennington are done for the season, and before Henne was injured he was benched for the 34 year old oft-injured Chad Pennington. 

The Dolphins also run out of the Wildcat from time to time, and with Newton presenting the constant dual threat, the wildcat formation would keep defenses guessing all night long.  To me the Dolphins would be fools to pass on Newton if they should have the fortune of him sitting on the board for them to draft.