NFL Draft 2011: Cam Newton and the 5 First Round Picks with Bad Bust Potential

There has never been a first-round that proved successful at every pick top to bottom. This year won’t be any different.

Players are already showing character issues and there is no shortage of overrated talent, namely as a result of weak draft classes at a few playmaker positions.

Some of these guys are coming into the league assuming success. The transition from college to professional football is one of the most difficult transitions in all of sports.

These five guys are pouring with attributes to speculate about. They have flaws in their game that could be exposed at the NFL level.

5. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Running back Mark Ingram of Alabama 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)

Ingram has no trouble running between the tackles. However, his open-field speed isn’t anything special. He is fairly easy to tackle for his size and is getting a lot of hype as part of a fairly weak RB class.

His success will depend greatly on his destination but his ceiling, seems a lot lower than some scouts are projecting him.

The knee injury in 2010 raised some questions about his durability. If he’s put behind a weak offensive line and asked to handle a heavy workload, he’s not an elusive enough runner to stay healthy.

He is the best RB in the class but there are a lot of strong backs available in free agency. Mikel Leshoure and Ryan Williams both provide excellent value in later rounds and each could end up with better careers than Ingram.

4. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Missouri Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert answers questions during a media session at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

He’s the best quarterback in a weak class. He has accuracy issues which are most glaring when he’s throwing outside the hashes.

He was blessed with a spread offense in Missouri, which meant most of his decisions were made for him before the snap.

He’ll need to learn to check down and to make choices under pressure. He makes the decision to tuck and run too soon and will get swallowed up by faster NFL defenses.

When a quarterback’s biggest problem is his passing accuracy, seldom will he be regarded a top prospect. Gabbert has the will and the character to learn and improve. If he’s rushed into a starting position, he will turn the ball over a lot.

He has a strong arm and solid work ethic, so the potential is there. However, he’s overrated due to the lack of talent in his draft class.

3. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Nick Fairley of Auburn looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Fairley dominated as an interior pass rusher at the collegiate level, when he wanted to. The biggest question about the Auburn tackle is his work ethic.

He was considered strong in college, but won’t turn any heads on Sundays. He’s not out of shape, but he definitely could solidify and strengthen his core. His reputation as a dirty player will inspire offenses at the NFL level.

Fairley makes plays on the run behind the line of scrimmage. He needs to learn to let certain runners come to him. He has pretty good speed for a guy his size, but the NFL should prove a new challenge.

If he’s surrounded by talent, he’ll be okay. He just won’t dominate up the middle like he did for Auburn.

2. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

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AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 10: Cornerback Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes picks up the loose ball which was knocked out of the hand of quarterback Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns as he rolled out in the second quarter on October 10, 2009 at Darrell K

His stock is already falling due mostly to character issues. He has drawn a lot of comparisons to Antonio Cromartie due to his overall aggressiveness; an aggressiveness which will be exploited at the NFL level.

He loves to jump routes to make the big play and sometimes gives up big plays as a result.

He’s a self-proclaimed shutdown corner with excellent size.  However, a lot has been said about his struggles in changing direction, as well as his ability to transition from pedal to plant-and drive.

If NFL coaches can improve his character, he will be one of the league's better corners.

Arrogance can help at the NFL level, but he’s only the third best at the position in this year’s draft class and will have a lot of work to do to join the league’s elite.

1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 10: 2010 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn pauses 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 Horner/ Getty

The character issues are undeniable, and it’s going to take a lot of coaching to have him ready for NFL defenses. His inconsistency on passes thrown in the middle of the field will prove costly at the next level.

Newton has been applauded for his rushing, speed and elusiveness, but his accuracy drops when he’s flushed out of the pocket. This could result in a lot of turnovers.

Newton’s used to looking at his primary receiver, checking down, and then making a move with his feet. In the NFL, he’s going to need to learn to look for more receivers.

He’s also going to need to improve his timing and release drastically, as he’s taken most of his collegiate snaps out of the shotgun.  

He has the athleticism and size to make it as an NFL QB. However, unless he proves to be an extremely coachable player, he won’t see much success at the next level.

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