Cam Newton: Why Newton as 2011 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Is Huge Mistake

Opinions about Cam Newton always seem to focus on his personal life and character.  Every “draft guru” I listen to seems to think he has Top 10 ability with character/personality concerns being the big drawback. 

My view is different. I have no issues with the personality part.  He seems like a nice enough kid. He likely has “followers” and people that are waiting to “cash in.” That is not entirely new to pro athletes. 

Video: Dave Razzano on the 10 most overrated players in the draft

My biggest concerns with Cam Newton are with his football ability.  I see an athlete who has a laser for an arm and can run the ball extremely well when the play breaks down.  What I don’t see is a first-round talent, let alone a top-10 pick. 

He will need a lot of development throwing the ball and reading defenses. Far too many of his deep passes are thrown up for grabs into double coverage.  His decision making is often confusing. 

Bottom line is this:  When you pick early in the Draft you must know exactly what you're getting.

Video: Dave Razzano on the 10 most underrated players in the draft

Potential is a scary word at the top of the draft.  Cam Newton will be drafted based on his potential, and his physical stature has a lot to do with it. 

Nobody would be talking about him early if he were 6’2" instead of 6'5". 

Most early mistakes have outstanding “measurables.” Good for the NBA, not for the NFL.

Dave Razzano is an NFL scout and PlaymakerMobile correspondent with more than 22 years of professional scouting experience with the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals under NFL coaches including Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Chuck Knox and Dick Vermeil.

He’s been part of five Super Bowls with three Super Bowl wins (1989 and 1990 49ers; 2000 Rams), and he consistently delivers independent, unfiltered opinions on college and pro football talent.