Cam Newton: 5 Teams That Should Consider the Auburn QB in the 2011 NFL Draft

Cam Newton's focus isn't on April's NFL draft right now. Instead his focus is on leading the Auburn Tigers to a national title over the Oregon Ducks.

It's been a trying season for Newton and his family amid all of the pay-for-play allegations. Whether you believe he is guilty of the allegations or not is a discussion for another time. 

When talking about Newton's pro prospects, Tim Tebow's name comes into the minds of many. Tebow went in the first round of this past draft and was one of the most debated prospects of all time.

Newton will stir up the same type of debate if he chooses to forgo his senior season at Auburn. 

It's never too early to look into the future. With that being said, here are five potential landing spots for Newton.

Minnesota Vikings

Nick Laham/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings waves as he leaves the field after defeating the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo

With the man in the picture above in his last season, the Vikings are going to need a new quarterback. Minnesota doesn't have its future QB on the roster currently, making it a likely team to look for one in the draft.

Newton could be exactly what the Vikings need to revitalize their franchise. The Vikings are going to be in the hunt for a veteran QB this offseason, which would give Newton time to sit and learn from the sidelines.

Where the Vikings end up drafting could largely determine whether or not they gamble on Newton. If Ryan Mallett and Jack Locker are off the board already, don't be surprised if the Vikings grab Newton.

Just like Tebow, Newton figures to end up being drafted higher than any of us expects because there is always one team willing to take a risk.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars sits on the ground after a sack during the game against the Oakland Raiders at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood

Jacksonville is in the playoff hunt with David Garrard as the team's signal caller. But is Garrard ever going to lead this team to a Super Bowl?

He's a solid player that won't beat you, but he doesn't exactly win you games either. If the Jaguars recognize that Garrard isn't the long-term answer, they may decide to take a shot on Newton.

Newton could come in and sit for a year or two behind Garrard until he has adjusted to the NFL. Jacksonville may not want to waste a first-round pick on a guy that may not be able to help out right away, but if they keep an eye to the future, this is a potential landing spot for Newton.

Tennessee Titans

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Vince Young #11 of the Tennessee Titans talks with a member of the training staff after leaving a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-

The Titans have crumbled, losing six straight games in a season where they were supposed to be competitive. Vince Young's career with Tennessee is in doubt, and it seems that either Jeff Fisher or Young will be gone at season's end.

Fans of the Titans may not want Newton because of the similarities to Young, but Young's problem wasn't on the field—it was off the field. 

Newton is a confident young man that could thrive in the right situation. Pairing him up with Chris Johnson may create the dynamic duo that brings the Titans back to prominence.

Washington Redskins

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks to throw a pass against the New York Giants on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (

Mike Shanahan has benched Donovan McNabb for Sunday's game against Dallas. By benching McNabb, Shanahan is acknowledging that the veteran QB is not in the team's long-term plans.

Remember, the Redskins can still release McNabb at season's end to get out of the enormous contract extension they gave him earlier this season.

Being benched for Rex Grossman is the ultimate insult, especially when you are an established QB in the league.

There's no way the two sides can rebound from this, meaning the 'Skins will be on the lookout for a new QB this offseason.

Newton may be exactly the type of signal caller that Shanahan wants. He could mold Newton in the way that he couldn't mold McNabb.

Shanahan is a stubborn man that has been looking for the next John Elway ever since he retired.

This will certainly be a spot Newton could land in the upcoming draft.

Oakland Raiders

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 12: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders attempts a pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Al Davis loves flashy athletes and is not afraid to make a controversial pick. Jason Campbell is coming off his best game with the Raiders, but that doesn't mean he's the long-term answer for Oakland.

Raider Nation would embrace Newton, and this is another place where he wouldn't need to start right away.

Campbell is a stopgap QB for a team that is desperate to get back to the playoffs. Drafting Newton wouldn't address other needs of the Raiders, but a couple years from now he could develop into Oakland's franchise QB.

The Raiders are known for taking in troubled players, and Newton fits the mold, whether it's a fair statement or not. Never underestimate Davis when it comes to draft day because he falls in love with guys with high potential.