NFL Combine Results 2011: Cam Newton's First Weekend Performance

Former Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton, has been the talk of both the 2011 NFL Combine and the 2011 NFL Draft so far.

However, his performance from the first weekend of the Combine was unimpressive to some scouts.

Still, he did show off his tools as he attempts to propel up the draft boards.

He will have another chance to throw on March 8th and will continue to answer questions from the NFL teams.

The Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins could all be in the market for a quarterback, so Newton should entice one of these teams.

Here are Newton’s stats and intangibles through the first weekend of the Combine.

10. 10th Place Finish in Three-Cone Drill

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton posted a time of 6.92 seconds in the three-cone drill, which put him in 10th among quarterbacks.

This drill is important for quarterbacks because it can show how they scramble around the pocket.

Despite the finish, one of Newton’s main strengths is his speed.

9. Tied Eighth in 20-Yard Shuttle Run

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers runs down field against John Boyett #20 of the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (

Newton ran a 4.18-second time in the 20-yard shuttle run. That was good enough for an eighth-place tie with another explosive quarterback, Colin Kaepernick from Nevada.

Christian Ponder from Florida State and Tyrod Taylor from Virginia Tech tied for first with 4.09 seconds.

8. Inaccuracy on the Five-Step Drop

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton passes the ball during a drill at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton overthrew his receiver on several occasions when performing the five-step-drop out route.

He was unfamiliar with the five-step drop, but he should develop more accuracy on those throws with more practice.

Part of the reason for his poor showing could have been unfamiliarity with the receivers, but some of the other quarterbacks didn’t seem to have a problem.

7. Intelligence/Ability To Adapt

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

According to former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick, Newton possesses the intelligence to be able to adapt to his surroundings.

Billick believes that ability will come in handy at the next level.

Though he may have had some off-the-field issues, he has a strong head on him and will use it to his advantage.

6. Interviewing Skills

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 10: 2010 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn answers questions after his workout routine for the media at Cathedral High School's sports stadium on February 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Hor

Despite his intelligence, some analysts believe Newton did not leave that lasting an impact in his interview sessions.

As a premier quarterback, he will have to say the right things at the right times.

He will have to show some more confidence, but this too can be improved with more practice and recognition of questions.

5. Tied Third in Vertical Jump

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton participates in the vertical jump during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton further showed his athletic ability by recording 35.0 inches in his vertical jump.

He tied Jake Locker of Washington in this test.

Very few scouts and analysts question Newton’s athletic ability. It’s the intangibles that will set him apart.

4. Tied Third in 40-Yard Dash

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton runs the 40-yard dash during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, which was third among quarterbacks.

Once again, that mark was tied with Jake Locker.

Tyrod Taylor finished first with a 4.51, while Colin Kaepernick finished second with a 4.53.

3. Strong Deep Throws

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton passes the ball during a drill at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton did impress with his deep throws.

He showed his tremendous arm strength with these throws. At times, he seemed to be just flicking his wrist, but the ball just exploded out of his hand.

The big thing with the deep throw is timing, and Newton showed he’s got it.

2. Finished First in Broad Jump

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates the Tigers 22-19 victory with his team after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10

Newton recorded an impressive 10’6” broad jump, which was the best by a quarterback.

The broad jump measures lower-body explosion and strength, and Newton passed with flying colors.

The question marks with Newton are mostly mental, not physical.

1. Time Is on His Side

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Newton had an up-and-down performance this weekend, but he will still have some time to impress the scouts.

Through his interviewing and his throwing date on March 8th, he can still raise his stock in comparison to the other quarterbacks.

He still has the chance to be a top 10 pick.