2011 NFL Draft: 5 Reasons Cam Newton Shouldn't Be a First-Round Prospect
With the quarterbacks having already worked out at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., the buzz has surrounded the incredible athleticism displayed by Auburn QB Cam Newton.
Many were considering him a first-round prospect before the combine, and this latest workout is sure to raise his stock a little in the eyes of some pundits.
If the Oakland Raiders were drafting in the first round, I would have little doubt that they would go after him. They already traded their first-round pick to the New England Patriots.
Sure, some team may end up taking him in the first round, and he may very well be a productive quarterback at the next level, but here's my logic as to why he shouldn't be considered a first-round prospect.
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Character Concerns
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To call Cam Newton's past "shady" could be a huge understatement.
He was arrested for theft in 2008 for stealing a laptop which he later threw out of his dormitory window trying to hide it.
There were also allegations of cheating in school that surfaced while he was at Florida.
Oh, and then there's that whole thing about him accepting money to attend Auburn.
These are just the black marks on his past that we know about. There's still plenty of time between now and the draft for something new to come up, but even just what we know should be enough for owners and GMs to have serious doubts about Newton's character.
And raise your hand if you've heard this line: "I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon."
Yeah? Thought so.
That's the type of sound byte that probably has more than a few coaches wondering if Newton's priorities are straight.
Newton does know he's entering the 2011 NFL Draft, not WrestleMania right?
System Quarterback
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Yes, the ever-dreaded spread set shotgun quarterback. We have seen so many quarterbacks put up gaudy numbers from the college-style offensive attack, and Newton was a big success with over 4,300 total yards (passing and rushing) and 50 total touchdowns.
But we know that quarterbacks aren't asked to go through progressions or make very many reads at all.
He gave an awkward answer when asked about his tendency to abandon the pocket and run with the ball rather than throw it.
“I chose Auburn University,” Newton said. “… I was going to try to be the best I could be in that system.”
He learned Auburn's system, and even matured as a college quarterback in it, but here he almost seems like he's trying to defend his abilities as a pocket passer even though we've never seen that, which brings me to my next point...
Accuracy
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Scouts Inc. rates Newton's accuracy as "average," but even they seem to give him a lot of flack for what should be a modest rating.
"Can make accurate throws into good-sized passing windows. Flashes ability to fit the ball into tight spots in short-to-intermediate zones. Has room to improve in this area, but is too inconsistent at this point. He is lazy with his footwork. No urgency in his drops and doesn't get enough depth. Throws off-balance far too often. Will short-stride some throws when rushers closing in on him. Deep ball accuracy is marginal. Floats far too many of his deep throws."
Those "good-sized passing windows" are hard to find in the NFL, and accuracy is so key in running a pro-style offense in which a quarterback has to be able to make all the throws against all different types of coverage.
I have also read more than one scouting report that questions his willingness to take the big hit, and points out the fact that some of his passes sail as a result of not stepping into his throws with a rusher coming. Passes sailing in the NFL are often picked off by ball-tracking defensive backs.
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One Season as a Starter
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There's just too much hype around Newton for only starting one season in college.
We have seen some quarterbacks, like Mark Sanchez, take a bit longer to develop the mechanics that are required of an NFL quarterback after only starting one season in college.
Sure, it was an incredible season which saw Newton win both the Heisman Trophy and the BCS National Championship, but when you weigh in all the aforementioned factors with his lack of experience as a starter, drafting Newton in the first round has to carry some red flags.
Risk vs. Reward
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The risk? A quarterback with all the issues listed previously.
The reward? Who knows, that depends on his development, but it depends on how long it will take for Newton to develop into a legitimate NFL quarterback; if he can at all.
Either way, a team will have to decide whether the risk of him never translating and letting his personality get the better of him is worth the reward of one of the most athletic quarterbacks the league may have ever seen.
What Do You Think?
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It's hard not to be wowed by a great performance at the combine, and when that performance comes from a player we already hold in high regard for his athleticism, we are often blinded by the light.
What do you think of Newton? Do his physical capabilities make him worth the risk in the first round?
Is he a bust waiting to happen?
I welcome your thoughts.
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