He's a Wing-T QB that Sark tried to force into the Pro Style mold. He was never meant to play that system, even Tim Lappano switch to the Spread Option just for Locker. And this actually just hit me, even if develops, what exactly is he developing into? A game manager? A 40 times a game passer? A scrambler? I think the former is the most likely, which brings up the question why would draft a project game manager in the 1st Round? My comments aren't meant to be malicious in any way, there are just too many open questions that haven't be answered about Locker...
Newton - Roethlisberger is the comparison I've been talking up for a while. I think they have a real similar presence in the pocket, and Newton shares Ben's small area escapability as well as the football IQ to always keep his eyes downfield when evading defenders. Newton has a comparable arm to Ben coming out too, a similar release, and the ability to get a lot on passes no matter what position they're in. The only difference is that out in the open Cammy Cam Juice is juuuust a bit better. To be honest, the player Cam looks most like to me in open field is Brandon Marshall. Strong, quick to his top gear, and very sudden in his movements.
I definitely like the Newton/Big Ben and Mallett/Cutler comparisons, there's a lot of similarities there. To be honest, I only watched Mizzou play a few times this year, but I didn't come away very impressed with Gabbert (he made some bad throws that cost them in the bowl game), and have been surprised some analysts have him as the best QB in the draft because I see him as a distant third. But again, I only watched him a few times so I might be missing something. I really love Mallett's arm and think he'll be very successful in the NFL, but I would say Newton has the most potential to be a star. Of course, Vince Young put up similar stats his final year at Texas and that hasn't really worked out. But if I was GMing a QB-needing team, I'd take a shot on Newton's potential. I don't see his throwing as a problem in the NFL, he's got good form and accuracy for someone that fast.
Even with the horrible senior season, I still think Locker has the most potential and highest ceiling.
Newton tried to get paid to transfer and then had it all blamed on his dad, I think it's safe to say he's a smart enough guy.
I can't believe that statement was just made. Accuracy is your major concern, but Ryan Mallett is your guy? The knocks on Cam's accuracy are greatly overstated, his passing and overall understanding of the quarterback position are far and away better than Mallett's already. ** Almost forgot, TakeMeHomeRyanMallett.
How many times did you see him play this season? I saw almost every game, and we definitely weren't looking at the same player. IMO Newton has good, if not great speed for a QB, especially one of his size, and pretty darned good elusiveness. His accuracy is MUCH, much better than just decent. I saw no inconsistency, either. I think he could pick up a lot of yardage running the ball if he gets in the right system. Then again, he could develop into another Rodgers, who runs only when things break down or there is an opening to pickup the first down. He'll probably have to be smart about it or will stay injured in the NFL. Your guess about his intelligence and work ethic are off-base based on what I've read/heard about him. I've heard that he has a great work ethic, and is an intelligent you man. IMO he wouldn't have handled all the controversy and crap with his father the way he did, if he wasn't intelligent. Everything I've heard/read about this kid has been positive, from his character to his work ethic. The only thing that is really a minus with him is his lack of experience, having played only 1 year of Div. 1 ball, but he was in plenty of big games, and always was poised. He'll have to work on his drops and reads, but I think he could easily be a star in the NFL. The only way I see him not making it is if he gets drafted by a crappy team with a poor QB Coach and OC and gets thrown to the wolves immediately. I also think that Andy Dalton is the 2nd best QB and a pretty good prospect, with Gabbert being 3rd. I think Gabbert is a product of Mizzou's system. I'm not sure he'll be able to have anywhere near that kind of success in the NFL.
Exactly!!! Thank you for saying that. For anyone to judge him based on one game, especially the National Championship game where he was playing hurt, is absurd. He was a shell of himself after he was injured in that game. He was limping somewhat and in obvious pain. Didn't move or carry himself at all as he normally did.
How do Newton and Roethlisberger compare with regards to reading defenses? Pre-snap reads of the defense is not exactly Big Ben's strong suit, but he excels in his ability to react to defenses after the snap. I haven't been able to find scouting on Cam's ability to do pre-snap reads. I have only seen him play 5 or so games, but he looks strong reacting to pressure and coverage looks. Plus, I would assume only 7 INTs is a pretty strong testament to his ability to understand what the defense is trying to do to him.
the 7 int's may come from the fact that he seems to run right away if his first rec. isnt open. something he cant do in the pros.
I fucking hate Cam Newton, I hope he fails miserably in the NFL and he will. He played in a system that padded stats. He made plays but I'm not impressed with him as a passer. He's only thrown the ball for more than 25 attempts in a game twice. You simply cannot be an effective QB at the next level without that much experience throwing the ball. 20 attempts per game will get you nowhere.
Why the hatred? Because he only threw 25 twice in games? That's a little harsh and over the top. Are you a 'Bama fan? Is that why you hate him? LOL! I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet you big time that you're wrong about him. Either way, it will be no skin off my nose, but I like the kid. He's very talented and a humble kid, yet has a dumbass prick for a father. He deserves to succeed.