Cam Newton
QB|RB|WR|TE|OT|OG|C|DE|DT|3-4 OLB|OLB|ILB|CB|S
 Cam Newton|QB |  |
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6050|248|4.56 | Daunte Culpepper | Top 5 Pick |
 | Newton's "entertainer and icon" comments have, somehow, brought him even more scrutiny, though I'm not that concerned. They were taken out of context, and it's okay to have some confidence. There's no denying his immense potential, and his college success (member of three title teams) is unparalleled. | |
STRENGTHS |
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| Possesses above average deep accuracy. Displays nice touch on long passes and can lead receivers down or across the field. Is a mountainous passer with a big arm, elite athleticism, an over-the-top release and the ability to extend plays. Leads receivers on underneath routes and throws away from extra coverage when working up the sidelines. Can zip the slant and fit the deep out through a defense. Gets the ball out quickly and does not sacrifice velocity under pressure. Works well outside the pocket and can find receivers outside the hash. Does not need to wind up to drive the ball, and generates heavy torque when he sets his feet. Showed poise when bottled up while picking apart a very pro-similar Alabama defense. Is aware in the pocket and routinely frustrates pass rushers with quick feet and uncanny agility. Keeps his eyes downfield when avoiding pressure and shows loyalty to the pass. Uses his long frame fully on runs, springing forward and putting his head down when necessary. Is a true leader who won two straight national titles (JUCO and FBS levels) while winning over two locker rooms. Handled intense scrutiny and a large stage very well in 2010. Wants the ball with the game on the line. Outside of a few incidents in the national championship game, maintained excellent composure throughout the season. |   |
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WEAKNESSES |
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| Struggles with intermediate accuracy, especially over the middle of the field. Will lean back, forget to set his feet and drop his elbow at times when working quickly or escaping pressure. Will throw all-arm when forced to step up into or aside pocket and lob passes away from his target. Needs a little time to become comfortable under center (though, come on, how hard is that?) after working in a heavy-shotgun system at Auburn. Was allowed to set up the pass with his feet in college, and he'll be working without as large an advantage there in the NFL. Was not often asked to make multiple, complex reads in Gus Malzahn's offense. Was given free reign to run on many plays without having to read through a full progression. Questions about his light run-in with the law at Florida haven't yet disappeared, and they were only rejuvenated after 2010's play-for-pay scandal. Even if he wasn't involved, the notoriety hasn't helped his image. He reportedly ran a QB sneak at the end of the National Championship Game, though he'd been instructed to take a knee. Made a few very tight-assed people upset when he scheduled his own private, pre-combine workout. Called himself an "entertainer and an icon" in an interview for an endorsement contract. |  |
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FINAL WORD |
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With Andrew Luck returning to school, the top spot opened up, and I still think Newton will end up filling it. He's just too full of potential. If Carolina passes, Buffalo is a likely landing spot, which would seemingly be a great fit for Newton (with Chan Gailey's athletic QB history). The Panthers can't take a chance on watching Newton blossom with another team. In a year when he might come cheaper due to a possible rookie wage scale, he's worth the risk. PROJECTION: TOP 5 PICK |
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QB|RB|WR|TE|OT|OG|C|DE|DT|3-4 OLB|OLB|ILB|CB|S
