After Andrew Luck (many considered him to be the first overall draft pick in 2011) decided to stay at Stanford, he created a void. He also left an interesting, somehwat damaged, draft class of quarterbacks behind him. In addition, since the Heisman and National Championship winning Cam Cameron entered the draft, there has been a shift.
Take the off-field issues of Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), the on-field struggles of Jake Locker (Washington), as well as the questionable NFL-readiness of Blaine Gabbert (Missouri), and the choice for the first quarterback selected in this year's draft may be simpler than it seems.
Newton is undoubtedly better than JaMarcus Russell (first overall pick 2007) was coming out of college; he has better decision-making skills, he's hard to take down, and his leadership skills far outweigh the examples of, previosly drafted and athletically-gifted, Vince Young and Russell (Young and Russell's leadership skills were either non-existent or on pins and needles; both of these quarterbacks have shown us that physical skills and attributes do not lead to a strong or tough individual, which are characteristics needed at that position); however, Newton's players follow him, he is a leader.
Yes, the structured offense in Auburn may have given us the illusion that Newton is better than he actually is, and yes, we understand that running quarterbacks do not win Super Bowls; however, in my opinion, Newton is athletically superior and more of a natural passer than Tim Tebow (picked in the first round during the 2010 draft, 25th overall) if that counts for anything.
Newton is not free and clear though. As fast as he may be, his college off-the-field issues will follow him all the way to draft day.
His cheating scandal, as well as a missing laptop will come under fire; nonetheless, like many before him, his on field actions may overshine those accusations (don't look for Tampa Bay, Miami, or Jacksonville to draft him, if you catch my drift).
As quarterbacks go, Newton is not a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or any structured pocket-passer that will simply drop back and find his man. Cam Newton is what Michael Vick is now; Cam newton is a valuable and versatile asset, not to mention the fact that he is bigger than Vick.
Newton is an agile, strong, and solid quarterback that will play and win games for whichever team decides to draft him.
Take the off-field issues of Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), the on-field struggles of Jake Locker (Washington), as well as the questionable NFL-readiness of Blaine Gabbert (Missouri), and the choice for the first quarterback selected in this year's draft may be simpler than it seems.
Newton is undoubtedly better than JaMarcus Russell (first overall pick 2007) was coming out of college; he has better decision-making skills, he's hard to take down, and his leadership skills far outweigh the examples of, previosly drafted and athletically-gifted, Vince Young and Russell (Young and Russell's leadership skills were either non-existent or on pins and needles; both of these quarterbacks have shown us that physical skills and attributes do not lead to a strong or tough individual, which are characteristics needed at that position); however, Newton's players follow him, he is a leader.
Yes, the structured offense in Auburn may have given us the illusion that Newton is better than he actually is, and yes, we understand that running quarterbacks do not win Super Bowls; however, in my opinion, Newton is athletically superior and more of a natural passer than Tim Tebow (picked in the first round during the 2010 draft, 25th overall) if that counts for anything.
Newton is not free and clear though. As fast as he may be, his college off-the-field issues will follow him all the way to draft day.
His cheating scandal, as well as a missing laptop will come under fire; nonetheless, like many before him, his on field actions may overshine those accusations (don't look for Tampa Bay, Miami, or Jacksonville to draft him, if you catch my drift).
As quarterbacks go, Newton is not a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or any structured pocket-passer that will simply drop back and find his man. Cam Newton is what Michael Vick is now; Cam newton is a valuable and versatile asset, not to mention the fact that he is bigger than Vick.
Newton is an agile, strong, and solid quarterback that will play and win games for whichever team decides to draft him.
