Cam Newton: Comparing the Auburn Tiger To Tom Brady and Other NFL QBs

Cam Newton, the Hesiman Trophy award-winning Auburn Tigers out of the SEC, has taken college football by storm in the 2010-2011 season.

His numbers are breathtaking and he's led the Tigers to a BCS National Championship game appearance against LaMichael James and the Oregon Ducks.

But with the bowl games yet to start and a few weeks to kill, let's take some time to break down this incredible physical specimen.

Here's a little breakdown of Newton's DNA, how each part of his game and body compares to the NFL's best QBs, from Tom Brady, to Ben Roethlisberger, to Michael Vick, to Vince Young.

Feet: Michael Vick

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Newton, like virtually every quarterback in history, doesn't have Vick's pure speed.

But what he does (almost) have is Vick's incredibly quick feet and elusiveness in the open field.

For such a big guy, Newton can make people miss in Vick-esque fashion.

This is a bit of a stretch just because no one can rival Vick in this regard, but it's a testament to how elusive Cam really is.

Legs: Vince Young

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans scrambles away from H.B. Blades #54 of the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Grant

Like I said, Newton doesn't have Vick's speed.

But he does have Young's, who is another big quarterback who can really pick up yards on the ground.

Young is as close as a runner as there is to Newton overall from the quarterback position, except for the fact that Newton is probably faster.  And bigger.  And quicker.  And a better thrower.

Not to mention he isn't a head case.

Arm: Ben Roethlisberger

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 12: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on December 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Cam and Big Ben often get compared for their size and propensity to extent plays (and justifiably so), but their arms often get overlooked.

Both have above-average and underrated arm-strength, accuracy, and touch, but aren't elite in any of them.

Head: Tom Brady

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots moves to avoid Israel Idonije #71 of the Chicago Bears as he looks for a receiver at Soldier Field on December 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 36-7. (Photo by

Despite all of its success, Auburn has had to grind out some tough games.

The Tigers have won four games by three points or less, including an overtime win over Clemson.

Newton has stayed cool under pressure in close games, coming out with wins, a la Tom Brady.

Upper Body: Ben Roethlisberger

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by Alez Carrington #92 and Marcus Stroud #99 of the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York.

This is where Big Ben and Cam are the most similar.

Both are huge, strong guys with big upper bodies, built to shrug of opposing defenders.

Roethlisberger almost never goes down unless someone gets a completely direct shot on him, and Newton is the same way.

But Cam doesn't have Big Ben's baby fat weighing him down.

Caveat: He's Far From The Perfect NFL QB

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Cam Newton, quarterback of the Auburn University Tigers, speaks after being awarded the 2010 Heisman Memorial Trophy Award on December 11, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

All of this being said, it's not like Newton will instantly come into the league and be a faster, stronger, Tom Brady.

His passing skills are raw, and he'll have to prove he can run an NFL-style offense and make all of the necessary reads.

Also, while he compares to these guys in all of these aspects, he still isn't them.

Cam may ultimately become this dominant combination of the top guys in the league, but he also might not.

We'll just have to wait and see.

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud.