2011 NFL Draft: Cam Newton vs. Ryan Mallett

I've been looking into the future and gazing upon the 2011 NFL draft predictions that are brewing around every corner, as many try to determine which players will go when and to which teams.

Unfortunately, for all of the hype that the draft brings, very often it is the forgotten players that make some of the largest waves when it comes to playing on Sundays.

Looking forward to this year’s draft, there seem to be many hits that will translate to performance on the field, but a few questions always loom. One of the largest holes in this year’s draft class is the quarterback class.

There just seems to be a gap this year compared to years in the past, with such headliners in this class as Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett, to name a few.

Newton and Mallet have not only been highlighted by their on-field performances at the collegiate level, but also their off-the-field issues. Newton has the media circus that was his eligibility and pay-for-play stories, while Mallett has had to battle drug rumors as of late.

Both of these guys are controversial and, whether it is the fault of either or not, they both carry character concerns. Also consider that both had mediocre combine showings, so their own pro days are the best chances that these guys have to shine before the draft day arrives.

To disregard the concerns would be laughable, but for the moment, those issues could easily be put to rest soon enough. If both of these guys do just that and leave the past behind, who ends up being the better pro?

They both have cannon arms and are built to last in the pocket in the NFL for years to come.

But what are the separators? One will no doubt outshine the other and predicting the future can be difficult, but as it stands today there are some glaring differences.

The comparison can be broken down into basic categories such as throwing skills, athleticism, immediate impact, work ethic and the system that each guy lands in.

Both Newton and Mallett can be successful, but will they be? And who will be better?

Throwing Skills

As stated above, both of these guys have big-time arms. The only separator that seems to be noticeable at this point is the accuracy with the throws. Mallett is more of a pure passer, so to speak, and has the edge in the accuracy department.  

Mallet is a pro-style quarterback already, getting the majority of his collegiate snaps from under center, while Newton was a traditional shotgun guy at Auburn.

Coming out from under center and getting the footwork in the right place is going to be the biggest struggle for Newton going into the future. Mallett again takes the edge.

Arm strength seems to be about even between the two. Each will step right into a camp and be able to make all of the throws that are asked of him. Both are big guys with quick releases, so the task of correcting mechanics doesn’t seem to be a concern.

Between the two, Mallett seems to take the pure edge in the throwing-skills category, but in certain game situations, he has had some decision issues. If he can mature in the pocket and maintain his composure under pressure, his throwing skills will make him an elite passer in the NFL.

If Newton can get his footwork in order and translate that into accuracy correction, he will be a force as well.

At this point, Mallett has the leg up.

Athleticism

A big knock on Mallett at the combine was that he came in looking physically unprepared. He is a big guy, but not impressive in athletic stature.

Newton, on the other hand, has the measurements to be an impact tight end, so he can definitely scramble out of the pocket.

The athleticism category will forever seemingly be in Newton’s favor. His size and quickness will help him transition into the NFL because he will have the ability to give himself more time to make decisions.

The ability to make plays with his feet will also help by threatening the defenses into staying honest in their progressions and protections. Newton will not have the impact that he had at the collegiate level on the ground, but having that skill set will help.

Newton gets the nod in the athleticism category.

Immediate Impact

Will either one of these guys come into the league and play right away?

That is a very difficult question to answer, but for the most part, I will say no. I do believe that they may see the field at some point, but it is doubtful that they will be starting at any point early.

With that being said, Mallett and Newton have very different approaches to their respective games that would make their impacts very different.

It would not be a surprise to see Newton see early playing time in a wildcat-situational type of game plan. This may get Newton on the field before Mallett, but Mallett has the better opportunity to break out and stay in the starting role.

With Mallett coming from a pro-style offense and already having an understanding for the reads and physical basics that are asked of a quarterback in that type of system, look for him to make a significant impact before Newton.

Newton will see time, but it may be a year or two before he is a starter.

Work Ethic

Not many people have witnessed Cam Newton’s or Ryan Mallett’s personal workouts. We don't know what is done behind closed doors—and that of course is to be expected—so this category is a little more difficult to predict.

Newton draws many comparisons to JaMarcus Russell, but one trait that is an obvious separator is the work ethic.

Newton was a guy that would drag receivers out of bed at Auburn to go throw and to get better. Character issues have been a concern and work-ethic whispers have weaseled their way into the news, but those concerns seem unfounded.

Newton worked his way from junior college to Auburn and won two national championships.

You can’t be a slacker, especially at the quarterback position, and win back-to-back titles. That just doesn’t happen.

Mallett, on the other hand, does raise some concerns. The only reason that he has red flags with the work-ethic department is because of his flabby showing at the combine and due to the drug accusations.

Who knows if the accusations are true or not, but those, in addition to his bad showing at the combine, have to make you worry.

The edge here goes to Newton.

Where They Land

At this point, no one knows where either player will land or what their futures are going to be in the NFL.

Whichever system they land in, however, will have a huge bearing on what their futures hold. Both seem to need time to develop different aspects of their respective games to be successful.

If you expect to see these guys make instant impacts, I believe that you will be disappointed. You will most likely see some time on the field for them early, but if that time comes too early and, more importantly, if it comes too often, these guys may fail.

The separators will be athleticism, work ethic and, most importantly, it will be who picks these guys and what the immediate expectations are.

Looking ahead, most seem to think that Mallett is more NFL-ready than Newton and that may mean the Arkansas product gets pushed into the fire sooner.

If Mallett gets pushed into the fire too early, he will get ruined. He has a lot of maturing to do before he can make it full time. Newton seems to have the maturity, but it will be learning the system and learning to make NFL-type reads that will initially keep him on the sideline.

So who is the better pro? Today, I would say Mallett.

Despite the maturity issues and possible character problems, he has the skills that would translate immediately. Again, that maturity issue may get him shell-shocked if teams aren’t careful early.

Newton has the skills and work ethic to be something special in the league, but time needs to be on his side in the development process.