NFL Draft 2011: Cam Newton Is Destined to Be Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals

The 2011 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, and Saturday's most interesting topic in the NFL is Cam Newton to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Over the past few days, speculation heated up suggesting the former Auburn quarterback is being targeted by the Bengals.

The Carson Palmer-era is nearing its conclusion, and it seems that owner Mike Brown is finally realizing that. Cincinnati was plagued by injuries and controversy between their two diva receivers, leading Palmer to request a trade to a team that will be in contention next season.

With question marks on both sides of the ball, it seems quarterback is the direction the Bengals are leaning towards. According to Pro Football Talk, Marvin Lewis is making it clear whom he thinks is the best quarterback prospect in this years draft: 

“He’s a real fine NFL prospect. He’s got a great, great personality.  Magnetic,” Lewis recently told the team’s official website. “He’s got it.  He’s got it.  Whoever said that wished they had it."

Lewis continued, “It’s really important when you’re talking about evaluating the quarterback position that they have that. That they’re that kind of guy.  You’ve got be a guy that is stand-up, ready to take control kind of guy."

Though many scouts and executives may consider this a smokescreen, I believe the intentions are real.

Newton is a prospect the Bengals are targeting, with plenty of expectations behind him. Mike Brown is clearly not afraid that Newton will be the second coming of Akili Smith, another athletic quarterback the Bengals selected in the top ten.

The question being asked right now is: What is the motive for drafting Newton? Though I am not a fan of Newton as an NFL prospect, he fits the kind of prospect Brown is looking for.

I am not taking a shot at the Bengals' organization here, but am just being realistic.  Brown is profit first, win second. There is no doubt Newton is an exciting player to watch on the field.

Newton's presence could energize a Cincinnati fan base that decreased in attendance last season. It is possible that Newton could make an immediate impact on profits by starting early in the regular season, providing the lockout comes to an end.

With a new offensive system being implemented, a change needs to happen at the quarterback position. Despite winning the AFC North title two seasons ago, the Bengals face difficulty in posing a challenge to the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on a consistent basis.

Both the Bengals and Palmer need a change of scenery. The Bengals are leaning towards drafting an athletic quarterback with the potential to be great.

I have made the argument that Newton will not be going first overall to the Carolina Panthers. However, Newton being selected in the top ten seems inevitable.

The Cincinnati Bengals could look to Newton to help create a new image of a franchise that has struggled over the past decade.

I am a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/MattMiselis