Cam Newton, Christian Ponder and the 5 Best Mobile QBs in the NFL

Having mobility as an NFL quarterback can greatly increase productivity as Cam Newton and Christian Ponder can attest.

Not all mobile quarterbacks are built from the same mold. Some, like Newton, have the type of running ability that allows them to score touchdowns and gain big chunks of yardage with their feet.

On the other side of the spectrum are quarterbacks such as Ponder who can get outside the pocket and turn blown plays into positive gains by running for first downs.

There are several examples of both of these types of quarterbacks in the NFL today. Here is a look at five of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league.

Cam Newton

Rookie quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers is quickly proving himself to be one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NFL.

In his first year as a pro, Newton has already rushed 63 times for 319 yards and seven touchdowns. Those seven rushing touchdowns tie him for the rookie season record set by Vince Young and he managed to do that in only eight career games.

Newton was also a great runner in college when he played at Auburn. It is unusual for a college rushing quarterback to immediately have success running the football in the NFL, but that has not been the case for Newton.

Newton's skills obviously draw comparisons to Michael Vick and with more experience and maturity, he might just have a similar career to the Eagles' quarterback.

Michael Vick

No list of mobile quarterbacks would be complete without the inclusion of Michael Vick. Vick, one of the first true rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, will always be remembered for his mobility.

So far this season, Vick has run the ball 42 times for 422 yards and 21 first downs. He has yet to collect a rushing touchdown this season, but that will almost undoubtedly change by the end of the year.

However, Vick does not generally score a lot of touchdowns with his feet. His career high in rushing touchdowns was eight back in 2002. Since then, he has not scored more than six rushing touchdowns in one season.

Despite the lack of rushing touchdowns, Vick's impact when running the ball cannot be ignored. With over 5,000 career rushing yards and a season best of 1,039 in 2006, Vick is truly one of the greatest mobile quarterbacks of all time.

Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is quickly putting together one of the most impressive passing seasons that the NFL has ever seen. His incredible accuracy, arm strength and vision have allowed him to compile over 2,000 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and a 71.5 percent completion percentage in just eight games so far this year.

Those numbers are simply mind-blowing no matter which way you look at them. However, Rodgers' ability to move outside the pocket is also admirable. So far this season, Rodgers has rushed 29 times for 75 yards. He has scored two rushing touchdowns and earned six first downs using his feet.

Those numbers might not sound like much, but the fact of the matter is that Rodgers has just not been flushed from the pocket enough to put up better rushing statistics. However, he has put up over 300 rushing yards the past two seasons.

Simply put, Rodgers is becoming one of the best all-around quarterbacks in the NFL today. His understated ability to rush the ball when the situation calls for it only adds to his greatness.

Colt McCoy

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has not had an easy go of things so far this season. He is dealing with a new head coach, a new offensive system, and a lack of playmakers on the team. However, a lot can be said of the toughness and grit that McCoy has shown in his difficult circumstance.

One of McCoy's greatest abilities is his mobility outside the pocket. He is a very accurate passer on roll-outs and is also quick enough to earn first downs with his feet. In fact, so far this season, McCoy has rushed 33 times for 110 yards. Thirteen of those rushes have resulted in first downs.

Unfortunately for the Browns, McCoy is forced to run the ball more than the team would like. That is because his offensive line has not done a very good job of maintaining the pocket and giving him protection.

Right now, the Browns are having trouble finding their identity on offense. Perhaps McCoy's quick feet will help them improve their offense and begin to put more points on the board.

Tarvaris Jackson

Seattle Seahawk's quarterback Tarvaris Jackson does not play for an offensively talented football team. However, his mobility adds another layer of depth to the offense that opposing defenses must be be aware of.

In six games this season, Jackson has rushed 18 times for 80 yards and one touchdown. He has also earned six first downs on running plays.

His ability to keep plays alive with his feet is an asset to the Seahawks. As with any mobile quarterback, Jackson can turn any blown play into a positive gain.

Jackson was even able to lead the Seahawks to a victory over the powerful New York Giants. His rushing ability only contributed to that upset win.

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow's first two games as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos have not been very impressive. Tebow has only completed 49 percent of his passes and has had trouble delivering the ball to his wide receivers.

However, just as he was known for in college, Tebow's rushing ability has been quite impressive. So far this season, he has rushed 26 time for 139 yards including one touchdown and six first downs.

Although Tebow has looked terrible in leading the Bronco offense, his ability to run the football cannot be ignored. If he can improve his passing to even a marginally good level, then he will become a dangerous quarterback when you add that to his mobility.

Christian Ponder

Just like Tim Tebow, young quarterback Christian Ponder of the Minnesota Vikings has only had two starts this season. He has shown a great leadership ability in running the offense. He kept his team in their game against the juggernaut Green Bay Packers in his first-ever NFL start, and led them to a victory over the Carolina Panthers on the road.

In addition to his leadership, Ponder has also shown that he has the ability to stretch plays out with his feet. Although one wouldn't call Ponder a rushing quarterback by any means, the young QB does have a decent amount of mobility.

In three games this season, Ponder has run the ball nine times for 43 yards and two first downs. While he will never draw comparisons to the likes of Michael Vick and Cam Newton, Ponder's mobility should prove to be an important part of his game as his career develops.