NFL Combine Results: Scouting Combine News and Rumors, Day 3

Cam Newton, the undisputed king of all NFL media, took to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine and did his best to dispel talk of both diva attitude and character concerns.

He nailed it.

The only hiccup in Newton's press conference was a prepared statement that he began with. It was considered contrived and is something no other prospect opens with—hard to make the argument that a guy doesn't want to stand out when he does something no one else does.

Still, contrived nonsense aside, Newton came off well spoken and gracious, confident yet humble, well mannered.

A league source came away very impressed with Newton and said he had several quotes that were "just what coaches are looking for."

Now, prospects are coached prior to the event on both what to say and how to say it, but with everyone on that level playing field, it is hard to say that anyone answered more questions in the media session than Cam Newton.

Other news and rumors from the NFL Scouting Combine:

In day one, the offensive linemen held their interview session of the process. Each of the top offensive linemen acquitted themselves very well. In terms of first impressions: Anthony Castonzo (OT Boston College) is a nice kid, happy to be here, Nate Solder (OT Colorado) is a down-home country boy who talked more about shooting deer and elk than anything else, Tyron Smith (OT USC) was both physically impressive and came off as an intelligent kid.

Ryan Mallett (QB Arkansas), on the other hand, had the most negative interview of the day. Peppered by reporters about rumors of drug use, Mallett's refusal to answer was understood, but he eventually walked off the podium—seemingly in protest. Interestingly, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Mallett has impressed in team interviews.

In the bench press, Ryan Bartholomew (OL Syracuse) impressed with 34 repetitions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Solder could only manage 21—a huge concern, if not for his massive frame and long arms. Functional football strength is something Solder has in spades.

Torrey Smith (WR Maryland) seemed sick and tired of comparisons to Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR Oakland). Of course, the comparisons have more to do with elite speed and helmet logo than anything else, and Smith noted that the two are completely different receivers. He may have gone a little far in using the word "ignorant," but it is hard to disagree.

Weslye Saunders (TE South Carolina) had a lot of questions to answer in Indianapolis after being ineligible for this past season. He'll have a hard time, as he's now unable to work out due to a foot injury.

Jake Locker (QB Washington) declared his undying love for football over baseball, but wouldn't rule out playing professional baseball in the future and is expected to at least mull over that option in the event of a lockout. Locker is under contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In other Locker news, sources called speculation that he would be drafted by the Seattle Seahawks misguided. Conventional wisdom says the Sarkisian-Carroll connection would make the pick a no-brainer, but according to the source, that isn't the case.

A member of the Pro Football Writers of America, he has professionally covered the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, as well as NFL events like the Scouting Combine and the Senior Bowl. Follow him on Twitter.