NFL Draft 2011: 10 Teams Who Should Draft Cam Newton If He's Available
In 2010-11, Cam Newton put up one of the best single season performances in NCAA history, including leading the Auburn Tigers to a BCS National Championship.
Newton passed for 2,854 yards, with 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He also rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Newton has NFL size too, at 6'6" and about 250 lbs.
Yet, for some reason, he isn't a "can't miss prospect", and many scouts are saying there aren't any great quarterback prospects in this year's draft.
Newton's main weaknesses are around properly setting his feet, and avoiding the scrambling, off-balance throws from his back foot that worked in college, but won't in the NFL. Some scouts are also concerned about his three-step and five-step drops.
There are also concerns about Newton's character, after two different scandals–one involving a stolen laptop reportedly purchased by an unknowing Newton and one involving allegations of Newton knowing his father was supposedly demanding a pay to play situation at MSU, a violation of NCAA rules.
Newton was declared ineligible due to the pay to play allegations, but Auburn immediately filed to have him reinstated, and Newton subsequently won the Heisman Trophy.
Despite the questions about Newton, there are many teams who could benefit from drafting him.
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Minnesota Vikings, 12th Pick
1 of 10
With Brett Favre finally retired, or so it appears, the Vikings are in need of a new quarterback.
2010-11 backups Joe Webb and Tavaris Jackson couldn't get it done, and there isn't much reason to believe that will change this season.
The Vikings could use Cam Newton immediately, and might trade up to get him.
Miami Dolphins, 15th Pick
2 of 10
Chad Henne isn't consistently good enough to get the Dolphins into the playoffs in a division with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.
The Dolphins have some great offensive talent in Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, but need a better quarterback to get them the ball.
Also, Newton as a part of the wildcat in Miami is a scary thought for other teams.
Cincinnati Bengals, Fourth Pick
3 of 10
While the Bengals have many holes to fill on defense as well, Carson Palmer's recent trade request makes them desperate for QB help.
Newton's strong arm would make Chad Ochocinco/Johnson and Terrell Owens even better deep threats.
With the Bengals drafting fourth overall, they should have a good chance to get Newton if they want him.
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Jacksonville Jaguars, 16th Pick
4 of 10
With David Garrard up to 33 years old, and still unable to win a division title despite the Indianapolis Colts' injury problems, it's time for Jacksonville to upgrade.
Newton wouldn't have to step into a starting role immediately with the Jaguars, and could develop for a year or two before taking over.
Washington Redskins, 10th Pick
5 of 10
With talk of the Redskins releasing 34 year old Donovan McNabb from his recently signed contract extension, they need a good, young QB.
Cam Newton would do well to learn from McNabb for a year or two, then take over the starting job. McNabb has a strong running element to his game, and Newton would benefit from being mentored by someone with a similar style.
Tennessee Titans, Eighth Pick
6 of 10
With Vince Young leaving Tennessee after numerous disputes with coach Jeff FIsher, and Kerry Collins 38 years old, the Titans could use Newton.
Bringing in Newton would give the Titans a dual-threat QB, similar to Young, and they could keep Collins around as a mentor.
There are questions about whether Tennessee would draft Newton, because of the scandals in college, after dealing with the Vince Young drama.
San Francisco 49ers, Seventh Pick
7 of 10
It looks like the one time "can't miss prospect", 49ers QB Alex Smith, won't be back with the 49ers. He was taken first overall in the 2005 NFL Entry Draft, but hasn't panned out as the 49ers had hoped.
The question is whether they want to blow another high first round draft pick on a quarterback, especially one who is supposed to be more of a wild card, or if they'd rather address their situation through free agency.
They should go through the draft and select Cam Newton if they get the chance.
Seattle Seahawks, 25th Pick
8 of 10
Despite making the playoffs, the Seahawks quarterback situation isn't a very good one. Starter Matt Hasselbeck is 35 and an upcoming free agent, and there isn't anyone else who could carry the team very far.
If Newton is available when the Seahawks pick 25th, they should definitely take him.
It's unexpected, though, that he'll fall that far, so the Seahawks might be wise to trade up their pick.
Indianapolis Colts, 22nd Pick
9 of 10
While unexpected and unlikely, the Colts could really benefit from selecting Cam Newton if he's still available.
Newton would have a chance to learn how to fix his questionable footwork and other weaknesses from one of the best quarterbacks ever.
After a couple of seasons working with Manning, both Newton and Manning would be very valuable assets for trades, and they could fill other holes by trading one of them.
Also, if the Colts do think that Peyton Manning is going to leave as a free agent, they'd need to replace him.
Carolina Panthers, First Pick
10 of 10
The Carolina Panthers were dead last in the league, with an average of 143.1 passing yards per game. None of their quarterbacks, with more than 12 attempts, had a QB rating over 60.
That was a key factor contributing to their 2-14 record.
The Panthers did draft Jimmy Clausen in the second round last season, and may not be willing to give up on him yet, but he isn't the best option to lead the Panthers in 2011.
While using the first pick on Cam Newton might be taking him too high, there is speculation that the Panthers would consider trading down a few picks and selecting him then.
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