NFL Draft 2011: Former Redskins Exec Cerrato Says Stay Away From Cam Newton

Cam Newton's pro day at Auburn University is today, and with it comes a lot of speculation on where exactly he'll get off the board on Draft Day.

Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks ago, Newton's stock was as high as any other player in this year's draft class.  He had recently held his own media-only throwing session in which he ran through a set script, throwing to receivers he was very comfortable with.

Media members left the event with googly eyes, proclaiming that he had a good shot to go No. 1 overall in April's draft.

Then came the combine.

As expected, he wowed scouts with his athleticism by posting a blazing 40-yard dash time and showcasing explosive leaping ability.  His throwing session, however, wasn't quite as impressive.  He consistently overthrew receivers with the deep ball, and was unable to establish effective timing on the short and intermediate routes.

At this point, your guess is as good as mine where he'll go in the upcoming draft.  The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner could go as high as No. 1 overall to Carolina, or he could even fall out of the first round altogether.

Now comes an interesting interview that took place here in the Washington D.C. area today.  Vinny Cerrato, former Executive Vice President of Football Operations (General Manager) for the Redskins, said he wouldn't touch Newton with a 10-foot pole.

Cerrato—best known for being Dan Snyder's right-hand man from 1999-2009*—was widely regarded as the driving force behind the infamous free-agent signings of Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith and Adam Archuleta.  He was also the shot-caller who brought in Albert Haynesworth, vouched for the hiring of Steve Spurrier and hired and fired Jim Zorn.

Cerrato was a guest on the Mike Wise Show with Holden Kushner on 106.7 The Fan.  During the interview, Cerrato was asked a wide range of questions—both by the hosts and show listeners—about his time with the Redskins and current hot topics around the NFL today.

Wise asked Cerrato what he thought of Cam Newton, and his response was somewhat surprising.  Ask any Redskins fan—or any football fan in general for that matter—and they'll tell you that if there's one thing Vinny Cerrato likes, it's a big name.

As it relates to the 2011 NFL Draft, the biggest name by far is Cam Newton.

When asked about Newton, Cerrato said he wouldn't draft him.  He thought there were "too many red flags." 

He didn't really elaborate, but one can assume he was referring to Newton's off-the-field issues throughout his college career.  Additionally, like many scouts, Cerrato might have been troubled by Newton's statement that he wanted to be an icon and entertainer—not simply a football player.

Roll that into the issues concerning his throwing ability, and you get a player with plenty of red flags indeed.

With the possibility of Newton being available when the Redskins pick at No. 10, it's a bit concerning that someone who is attracted to star power as much as Cerrato wouldn't be willing to draft the young quarterback.

I'm not saying that Vinny Cerrato's opinion on football matters should carry a ton of weight, but it makes you think.

We'll see if Mike Shanahan and other team decision-makers feel any different on April 28.

* Vinny Cerrato was fired by Marty Schottenheimer in 2001 before being rehired by Dan Snyder in 2002