Cam Newton Pro Day: Full Report Card of the Auburn QB's Workout

Cam Newton did not have the type of performance he wanted at the 2011 NFL combine. He missed on targets and his interviews were heavily criticized. 

Newton needed to exceed expectations at his pro day. His mentor and quarterback coach George Whitefield Jr. called Newton's pro day the final exam.

Well, did the Auburn quarterback pass? 

Here's a full report on Newton's performance at his crucial pro day. 

5. Downfield Throws Went Well

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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 went 11-for-21 at the combine and missed on several deep throws. He didn't have the chemistry with the wide outs and he suffered. 

Yesterday, Newton was tossing the pigskin to his receivers and of course had a better showing. He proved he can make the throws down the field. Newton showed great accuracy and excellent timing. Scouts know he has a big arm and Newton put it on display. 

4. More Comfortable Taking Snaps Under Center

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

Newton played in a spread offense at Auburn and took very few reps under center. This was one of the biggest concerns scouts had about him. Could Newton do a five-step drop and fire it in on target? 

He's worked very hard at it and will continue to do so until he gets it perfect. Newton looked much more calm under center, dropping back and making throws. The scouts in attendance took notice of this and were very pleased. 

They know Newton still has work to, but every rookie does. They're quite glad to see some improvement in this area. It's what the kid is going to have to do over and over again in a pro-style offense. 

3. Underneath Throws Still Need Work

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

Newton still doesn't look natural throwing the ball, especially on the quick and underneath routes. When the offense can run the ball very well, you need to find another way to move down the field.

Not every deep ball works; therefore, the short throws become very vital. 

At his pro day, Newton struggled with the underneath routes, proving that he still needs work. He recognized his mistakes during the workout and did his best to fix them. 

2. Improved Mechanics

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton passes the ball 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 awkward throw like most system quarterbacks do. His continuous work has shown that he is dedicated to becoming better. 

Newton showed he is coachable and that he will keep working hard to improve his skills. He doesn't have as far to go as other quarterbacks, but still needs more time.  

1. Not Worthy of a No. 1 Pick

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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's performance at his pro day helped his draft status after a pitiful showing at the combine.

However, it showed that Newton still is a big work in progress. He is not ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. There are still character and maturity issues with him, which some teams are not to keen on.

Newton has the physical skills and talent to be great in the NFL, but he needs more time. His best fit is going to a team like Buffalo, maybe Tennessee or Washington. He can sit out for a bit with those teams, learn the NFL system and dominate the game when his game is completely sound.