2011 NFL Draft: Why Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton Shouldn't Go in the First Round

The quarterback position is arguably the most important position in all of football. Just look at teams like Carolina, San Francisco and Arizona. Those three teams have no viable option behind center between them and all struggled in 2010.

On the other hand, look at teams like Green Bay and Indianapolis. Even though they had a bevy of injuries that would cripple most other teams, they both made the playoffs and Green Bay won the Super Bowl, largely due to the play of Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning.

Due to the importance of the quarterback position, drafting a quarterback in the first round is a touchy subject. Spending a high pick on a quarterback means that a team is now married to him for a prolonged period of time. 

Look at David Carr, Alex Smith, JaMarcus Russell, Vince Young and Matt Leinart. That is just a shortened list of quarterbacks drafted in the first round in recent years who haven't panned out.

There are eight teams who are looking for a quarterback: Carolina, Buffalo, Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota and Miami. Each of these teams had terrible quarterback play and are therefore picking in the first fifteen draft selections.

However, contrary to what most believe, Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton are not the answer for any of these teams. Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett are certainly not the answer.

It is unquestionable that each of these players have the ability to play quarterback in the National Football League. They all have the skill set to possibly one day be a starter at the professional level.  Unfortunately, they all have major downfalls that could possibly ruin a franchise. Whether it is their accuracy or off-field issues, personality or potential, all four big name quarterbacks are not worth a high first round pick.

For example, let us take a closer look at the San Francisco 49ers. In 2005, they drafted Alex Smith with the first pick in the draft. He had a fantastic career at Utah and all of the scouts had either Smith or Aaron Rodgers going first.

Since drafting Smith, the 49ers have gone 39-59 and have failed to make the playoffs. To make matters worse, they have had three different coaches and never finished higher than 18th in total offense. There seems to be no bright future for 49er fans anytime soon.

Jake Locker doesn't seem to have the ability to hit a wide open receiver. Blaine Gabbert seems to be a decent quarterback at best. Ryan Mallett is immobile in the pocket and has character issues. Cam Newton looks as if he doesn't have his head on straight.

No General Manager should want to spend millions of dollars on a player who can't throw, is just okay, can't move, or is big headed.

We will hear people talk about the potential and the ability to make all of the throws at the next level with each of these players. We will be awed and amazed at their athletic ability and their arm strength. We will be seduced by their impressive workouts. 

We will not, however, be fooled by the smoke and mirrors of these players.  Their shortcomings and flaws outweigh any potential in the world, and with the most important position on a team, a first round pick is not worthwhile.

Football fans can wait a year for their team to improve.  There are quality quarterback options other than drafting a quarterback for teams in dire need, such as Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb. For most of the teams looking for a quarterback in the draft, they also have other needs that could be addressed, such as offensive line, linebacker, cornerback or running back. Each of these positions have players that are certain to make an NFL team better. 

If I was a fan of one of these teams, and I heard any of the aforementioned names called in the first round, I would be very disappointed. I would stand up in my living room where I was watching the draft, take off my jersey, and stomp it into the ground while yelling obscenities at the television. 

Luckily for me, I am a Packers fan and I can bask in the greatness of Aaron Rodgers for the next 10 years.