Cam Newton: 10 Predictions for Newton's Rookie Season
The first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft was quarterback Cam Newton from Auburn.
According to many draft boards created by draft analysts, including my own, Newton wasn't the top prospect available in 2011 draft—in fact, he wasn't even the best quarterback available. But, the one thing that separates Newton from everyone else is his extreme upside.
Newton is as elusive and mobile as Tim Tebow and Michael Vick, and he's got a cannon arm that's often compared to JaMarcus Russell's. All in all, he's got all the intangibles to be a very unique quarterback at the next level.
Here are ten predictions for Newton's rookie season as a Carolina Panther.
This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
Will Beat out Jimmy Clausen...as the Team's Back-Up Quarterback
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Yes, that's right, Cam Newton will beat out Jimmy Clausen in a quarterback competition...but for the back-up quarterback role.
I strongly believe that Newton and Clausen will not be impressive enough for the Carolina Panthers coaching stuff to give the keys to their offense quite yet.
Instead, the Panthers will likely bring in a veteran quarterback via free agency—someone like Marc Bulger or Trent Edwards.
Throw at Least 5 Touchdowns in 2011
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Believe it or not, Newton will be making a few appearances in games during the 2011 season.
As Newton gets his feet wet, I believe he'll make the best of it and throw at least five touchdown passes—possibly even more.
Once Newton is thrown into the mix of an NFL game, the Panthers coaching stuff will likely keep him in a controlled offense and allow Newton to do his "thing"—complete short passes to receivers in open space.
Rush for More Rushing Touchdowns Than Passing Touchdowns
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Newton will not only throw five touchdowns as rookie, but he'll run for at least six touchdowns.
What sets Newton apart from many young quarterbacks is his running ability.
Unlike mobile quarterbacks like Michael Vick, Newton is like a fullback when he's on the run. Weighing in at nearly 250 lbs., it's like a mack truck is coming full speed at a pencil-neck cornerback.
Newton will find much success running the ball as a rookie.
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Gain a Strong Understanding of Carolina's Offensive System
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Many scouts and analysts question Newton's ability to learn and understand a pro-style offense as he's only played in a spread offense during his college years at Auburn and Florida.
Newton, who may come off as immature, will be forced to learn Carolina's playbook if he wants to see the field in 2011.
As the NFL lockout was lifted for only a few days, I am assuming that Carolina's coaching staff contacted Newton and handed him a playbook to study. The lockout is now in place again, and for who knows how long, Newton will be unable to visit any of the team's facilities which will present a lot of "studying" time for the first overall draft pick.
Develop a Connection with Steve Smith
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If Steve Smith remains a Carolina Panther for 2011, Newton will develop a strong connection with the All Pro wide receiver.
Smith has a niche for making big plays, and Newton being a big-play quarterback with a rocket arm, I'm sure Smith will enjoy reeling in passes from Newton.
Not to mention, I think it'd be safe to say that Carolina's coaching staff will be encouraging Newton and Smith to develop a nice chemistry as their the lone offensive fire power remaining on their current roster.
Will Start More Games Than Christian Ponder
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Christian Ponder, was a shocking 12th overall selection in the first round of the NFL draft.
Taking a look at Ponders' competition in Minnesota for the starting quarterback job, it's rather similar to Newton's. Both quarterbacks, right now, are arguably the most talented player for the job, but Newton will end up starting more games in 2011.
The major thing that separates Ponder from Newton is that Ponder is entering a very solid football team up in Minnesota, while Newton is joining a Panther team that was the laughing stock of the league.
What I'm pointing towards is that the Vikings can remain competitive while they groom and develop Ponder, and mean while, the Panthers will be looking for any offensive production out of their players.
Complete Less Than 60 Percent of His Passes
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Like many rookie quarterbacks entering the NFL, their completion percentage takes a huge dip from what it was in college.
For Newton, his career completion percentage was a 65.4 percent, but the majority of it came in Auburn's spread-offense.
Playing in the spread offense is very beneficial for a quarterback's completion percentage as many of the passes are screens or quick slants— essentially high percentage passes.
Newton may have a hard time adapting to the speed of the game in the NFL, so his completion percentage will likely be below 50 percent.
Will Be Sacked More Than Any Other Panther Quarterback
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As stated in the previous slide, Newton will have a hard time adapting to the speed of the game at the next level—meaning, Newton will be sacked a lot.
Newton will be sacked more than any other quarterback on the Panthers. He will likely struggle reading opposing defenses and will have a hard time checking down in his passing progression.
A lot of the time, Newton may feel inclined to take off running, which will result in a sack as defensive ends are much faster in the NFL.
Sustain an Injury from Running the Ball
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As Newton will take off running a lot, due to his inability to read defenses and check down in his progression, he will likely suffer an injury from running the ball—whether if it's minor or a major injury.
The speed of defenders in the NFL are a whole lot faster than it was in college, and on top of that, linebackers and defensive ends are much stronger and violent.
Newton will take off running on a play, and a 285 lbs. linebacker will violently collide with Newton, which will result in some-sort of injury—just a hunch.
Gain Some Much Needed Experience and Confidence Entering the 2012 Season
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Despite sustain some-sort of injury, Newton will gain a lot of experience during his rookie season as a Carolina Panther.
Newton will start in a few games as a rookie, and will have success at times, which will boost his confidence entering the offseason.
Throwing at least five touchdowns, rushing for at least six touchdowns, and fully understanding Carolina's offense are definitely concrete stepping stones moving into the future for Newton.
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