Cam Newton's Media Workout: Good Or Bad Idea?

Trent Dilfer is a smart man. Dilfer knows a bit about quarterback play and won a Super Bowl in 2000 with the Ravens. Now an analyst for ESPN, Dilfer is sometimes known as a harsh critic, but gives praise when absolutely deserved.

That’s what stands out from Auburn QB Cam Newton’s “media workout” Thursday. Dilfer attended Newton’s workout and was effusive in his praise.

As many know, it is easy for any QB prospect to do well in shorts and a T-shirt with no pass rush. I have always been skeptical of players who perform so well in these private workouts and combine sessions. These drills may help pass an eyeball test, but they do not guarantee success on a football field.

Mike Mayock, top draft analyst for the NFL Network, said this per ProFootballTalk.com, “I really didn’t need to see the workout, nor do I need to hear about the workout.” I agree Mr. Mayock, but I am intrigued by Cam Newton.

I watched several games of Newton’s this year and each game he seemed to do something better. Sure he played out of the spread formation where often it is one read, if that read is covered, then find a hole and run. Newton was the perfect fit for this offense.

The problem I have has nothing to do with Newton himself. It is the comparisons that really bother me. Because he is African-American, athletic with good size, he is automatically labeled as Vince Young or even JaMarcus Russell.

How is that fair to Newton? Has he had character issues? I don’t think so. The entire pay-for-play scheme his father supposedly orchestrated was investigated and results were that Cam was not involved. Sure, everyone can say he had to know, but if you think so, prove it.

There were the issues at Florida where he supposedly bought a stolen laptop. Some individuals were selling them out of the back of a truck for cheap, so he bought one. How many can honestly say they wouldn’t do the same?

An allegation of cheating also came to the surface. While not an admirable quality, I could attribute that to bad judgment. I don’t think these incidents at 18 or 19 years old define a young man. We all make mistakes and usually, we learn from them. Hopefully Newton has the same opportunity.

Ok, I digress; now let’s get back to Newton’s workout.

I heard Dilfer mention on Sirius NFL Radio Thursday afternoon that Newton missed a read, then Hall-of-Fame QB Warren Moon whispered something in his ear, and he hit his next 24 throws. Now keep in mind this wasn’t against a live defense, but these weren’t easy throws. The throws he was making were the ones you are required to make in the NFL if you want to be a successful QB. Deep outs, skinny posts, etc.

When I watched Newton throughout the year I noticed his mechanics. His mechanics are why I don’t think the comparisons to Vince Young are legit. While Young possesses everything you want in an NFL QB, except what is between the ears, he didn’t have the best mechanics.

I encourage anyone who thinks Newton is the second coming of Young to watch these two and notice their releases. It is not even close. While Newton still has some issues with footwork, a good QB coach in the NFL will get that straightened out.

The question becomes will he work harder than Young? I was skeptical of this media workout, and from everything I have heard, it wasn’t to show what he could do on the field, but that he was working hard to improve. I admire that.

While I wouldn’t advise a prospect to go through this type of workout in the media, it worked well for him. The workout created a buzz. If Vince Young would have worked hard in the film room, I have no doubt he would have been a success. Young still has a chance, but I am sure 32 teams, well 31 now, would be leery of what to expect.

The next two months will be critical for Newton. He is going to be interviewed over and over, and he will have to answer those character concerns that some have. From hearing him talk, I believe he will impress in the interview process.

When you are drafted high as a QB, you are a face for that franchise. Teams want to know what they are getting and will interview anyone and everyone Newton has crossed paths with during his college years.

Ultimately it all comes down to what these players have shown on the field. Well, in most cases. Newton had an impressive body of work in the 2010 season, which culminated in an undefeated season and a national championship.

So let’s all sit back and watch the draft process unfold and who knows, maybe Newton will be in play for the top overall pick come late April.