Cam Newton - Future Bust

A lot of hype is coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine about Cam Newton. Interestingly, Newton has managed to bring this buzz to levels that are polar opposites of one another, with analysts saying that the Panthers or the Bills would be insane to pass him up with their first picks (picks one and three, respectively). Meanwhile, other analysts who watched the same workouts and heard the same answers given to questions ask if Newton isn't Akili Smith version 2011. Potential franchise QB to Akili Smith? Why the difference in opinion?

Looking at his time at the combine, we need to begin with a quote he said in an interview with Peter King of Sports Illustrated. When asked himself about how he sees himself, Newton responded with "I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon." Interesting choice of words there. Especially since Newton is already going to be highly scrutinized given the off field incidents with his father setting up a 'pay for play' with him during the recruiting process. Yes, Cam was cleared of any knowledge or improper behavior through the situation, but this still deserves to be watched. Patterns can develop from issues such as these.

Then Newton took the field to throw at the combine. One word can describe his performance - disaster. Granted, he was throwing to unfamiliar targets, but everyone else that threw had the same disadvantages. In the end, he finished by completing only 11 of his 21 throws. He was frequently overthrowing his receivers, with the ball sailing on the ten yard out patterns, the fifteen yard in patterns, and the fly patterns specifically. He did hit the turnarounds, but this still raises enough questions about his accuracy and ability to hit a receiver. This dramatically paled in comparison to his performance previously in San Diego when he had a scheduled media workout on his terms. He did show a great arm and a nice spiral in getting the ball through ten to fifteen mile per hour winds, but he made four passes the entire time. One can't really put a lot of stock in four passes, regardless of the conditions.

In the end, Cam Newton seems to be more about concepts such as 'talent', 'potential', and 'size' (6'6", 250 lbs) than he is about his abilities and skills. At this point, Newton seems to be a project, nothing more. Yet, some team will fall in love with his arm, and draft him much higher than he should go, sending him down the Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, and Art Schlichter. Throw in the possibility of off the field problems, and this quarterback prospect has more red flags than the Chinese government.

In the end, stay away from Cam Newton. Nothing good can come of this.