Cam Newton Scouting Report

Cam Newton, Auburn, 6'6 250 lbs

SKILLS

Size/Arm Strength: 10 - Excellent size (6'6 250 lbs) along with a cannon of an arm. Cam Newton can make every single throw on the football field.

Accuracy: 7.75 – Better accuracy than he gets credit for, Newton completed 66.1% of his passes. Only one QB in FBS had a better passer rating (Kellen Moore- 182.6), as  Newton posted a 182.0 passer rating. Beyond the statistics is what hinders Newton however; the offensive scheme was very rudimentary and basic at its' core in passing reads. What I mean by this is that he rarely was counted upon to look past his primary receiver, because defenses were stacking and loading the box in order to contain his running ability. His rapid release, ability to escape pressure, and extremely powerful arm strength, masked the relatively simple passing game that did not force Cam Newton to go through a thick passing progression. 

While he fits the football in tight windows, he sometimes gets into trouble with his ball placement across the middle; will get excited and footwork is poor, leading to overthrows. His accuracy is inconsistent due to his footwork and technique. His potential will flash on throws deep and outside the numbers (pro-level throws), and his upside is very evident even to the common fan.

Former Oilers QB, Warren Moon

Warren Moon, who has also been a major part of the development of Cam Newton during the Pre-Draft season, stated Cam's specific problem regarding his lower half, 

    "He wasn't transferring well," Moon said afterward. "He was throwing leaning backward. Even though he has a very strong arm, I don't care how strong of an arm you have, if you're not in the right throwing motion, you're not going to get good accuracy on the football, the ball is going to go high on you. As soon as he gets that weight transferred, he throws the ball as accurately as anyone you've been around."

With that being said, understanding Cam's raw ability, his potential, and Hall of Fame QB help, I have to give him a somewhat high rating on accuracy.

Throwing Mechanics/Footwork: 6.25 – The only reason I give this high of a grade, is that Newton's throwing mechanics need no work. He has no wind-up in his delivery, his release is consistent, and the ball absolutely fires out of his hand. His release point isn't at an awkward angle, it's fluid and over the top, and the ball comes out quickly. 

The biggest problem I have with Cam Newton is his footwork. This is the main area for improvement. Cam has always gotten by on athletic and God-given talent his entire football career. Even in the toughest conference of College football (the SEC), Newton was able to get away with bad footwork. 

First off he worked out of a spread offense, and as Cam himself said, "A lot of times I probably can count on one hand the times I took a snap from under center in one game." But he understands where he needs to be, "But now it depends what scheme you go into, but at the same time you have to be able to get a snap from under center and be fluent at it. That's one of the first things we tried to tackle."

Secondly, rather than reaching the end of his pass drops, planting his back foot, shifting his weight forward, and delivering an accurate ball, Cam Newton reached the end of his pass drop, hopped around, and threw the ball downfield by torquing his hips and waist. He didn't do a particularly good job of always setting his feet and shifting his weight forward, this is something, as mentioned by Warren Moon that he needs to gain consistency in doing. His base on film is inconsistent in that his feet are too close together. On a quick note however, his base looked very solid (much wider) in his media workout.

And in saying this, I will be the first to recommend watching Newton's media-workout, and the tremendous strides he has made thus far. Once again, upside is there, and its obvious that potential is there, consistency in footwork/technique and accuracy are the biggest questions. 

Mobility/Athleticism: 10 - The one player in the draft whose athleticism will literally jump off the screen. At 6'6 250 lbs, Cam Newton looks like a defensive end, moves like a running back, and throws as well as anyone in the country. One of only 2 quarterbacks ever to throw for 30 touchdowns and run for 20 touchdowns, Cam Newton bullied through opponents on his way to more than 1400 yards rushing. I would not be surprised if Cam runs in the 4.4-4.5 range in the 40 yard dash. 

The reason for Newton's success running the ball, is his natural field vision as a runner, and his ability to anticipate his defenders momentum. He smoothly weaves his way in and out of traffic, constantly seeming in full control of his surroundings. Beyond this field vision, he also has the burst and explosiveness to just burn his opponents once he finds his path. All in all a dynamic athlete who has natural running ability.

ANALYSIS

Best fit: Newton needs to be in an offense with a strong running game, and needs a coaching staff that tailors the offense to suit Newton's mobility and athleticism. 

Could C.J. Spiller catch passes from Cam Newton in 2011?

The first place I think Newton could go, is Buffalo, where Chan Gailey is known for being a unique offensive coordinator who craves game changing, dynamic playmakers in his offense. Cam Newton, C.J. Spiller, and Stevie Johnson could combine for a nice, young, and talented trio of offensive playmakers with which the Bills could build around for the future. 

The next best fits would be the Cardinals, the Titans, or the 49ers. All three teams have young weapons at RB and WR, and all three teams are in need of a franchise quarterbacks. 

With the recent coaching changes in Tennessee and San Francisco, I'm not sure if either team will be willing to hand the reigns to a raw and developing rookie like Cam Newton. 

And in Arizona, I'm hearing trade rumors swirling about Kevin Kolb, Marc Bulger, and even Kyle Orton, so maybe Ken Whisenhunt (Head coach of AZ) wants to bring in a QB with experience and allow John Skelton to develop. 

The Cards, Titans, and 49ers all are fluent situations regarding personnel and coaching staff changes, therefore I feel the Bills have the best foundation in which to add Cam Newton through the draft.

X-Factor: What are teams going to find out about his character, integrity, and past? Will Newton's past mistakes (Florida cheating, father's solicitation for a "Pay-to-Play" plan, and stolen laptop) force teams to pass on him in the 2011 Draft? Can he convince NFL teams, through interviews that he is a changed human being and has learned his lesson? Or will he portray a "Me" attitude that pushes teams away. How teams view his character will go a long way in where Cam Newton will be drafted. 

Another big factor, in my opinion, is Newton's ability to overcome adversity, and how teams view that as well. Facing the most scrutiny ever faced by a college football player in 2010, Newton forged one of the most memorable single season performances ever in FBS history. Newton dominated his opponents inside the toughest conference in the nation, willed his team to comeback victories all season long, notched a perfect season, won a Heisman trophy, and won a National title despite the controversies surrounding him throughout. His ability to shut out surrounding media and maintain focus on the football field, should tell NFL teams that Newton's fortitude is unshakeable and he wins no matter what happens off the field.

Where he will be picked: Top 5. I am hard pressed to say that Newton will not be drafted after the Top 5 picks in the 2011 Draft. His raw talent, ability to overcome adversity, and willingness to put in the necessary work to improve his technique should convince teams of his upside, strong will and work ethic. There's a difference between work ethic and character issues, and the media is beginning to mix the two. I agree that he has legitimate character issues but to question his work ethic is something I refuse to do. Newton's improvement as a passer from the poor Clemson game, to the blowout SEC championship, should exemplify his in season work and commitment to excellence. 

Where he should be picked: Top 5. His actual draft stock should correlate respectively to his on field play. Would benefit from a draft day slide to a more talented team, but I could see him be a game changer as early as his rookie season.

NFL Comparison: Daunte Culpepper, former Minnesota Viking, Oakland Raider, and Detroit Lion. Currently starting QB for UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions

Cam Newton 2010-2011 highlight video

MNF: Tennessee Titans Perspective

Players to Watch

Kenny Britt- Vince Young tends to spread the ball around on offense despite not throwing for more than 200 yards in a game this year. This sophomore receiver and former 1^st round pick however has three touchdowns in his last three games and looks to continue building a relationship with his QB and develop into a #1 receiver for the Titans.

Jason Jones- In only his 3^rd year this DT has established himself as an integral part of a ferocious Titan’s pass and rush defense. Jones had two Tony Romo sacks last week against the Cowboys and has 6 tackles for a loss already on the season. Look for him to make sure MJD cannot find daylight running up the middle.

Vince Young- He won’t be going to any pro bowls based on his stats alone, but Young is a very effective QB for the Titans. The Jaguars defense will have enough on their hands trying to contain Chris Johnson so look for Young to use his arm and his legs to take advantage of a weak Jaguars defense.

Key Matchup

Chris Johnson vs. the Jag’s Linebackers- Chris Johnson is on pace for roughly the same amount of carries this year as last year, yet his production is significantly less as he is only averaging 4.3 ypc. I believe one reason for such a drop off is Johnson has not been included in the passing game. Last year he had over 500 yards receiving, and right now he is on pace for only 125 yards this season. Defenses are stacking against the run when they see him in the backfield, and the Titans need to keep opposing defenses honest and get Johnson more involved in the passing game. Look for Titans to do just that vs. the Jaguars and it will be interesting to see if Jacksonville’s linebackers are prepared for such a game plan.

Why the Titans Will Win- Both teams are great at running the ball and struggle passing the ball. I expect to see a very high scoring game, and both star running backs will set the tone with big gains. The Titans defense overall is superior, and I would take Vince Young and Chris Johnson over David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew so pencil in Tennessee for the win.

Final Score- Titans 34, Jaguars 27

Clip of the Day

Chris Johnson's highlights from East Carolina...

WOW.  This man is fast.



Quote of the Day:  "If you don't think you're a winner you don't belong here." - Vince Lombardi

Tennessee Titans 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            8-8

Wins:  Jaguars, 49ers, Bills, Texans, Cardinals, Rams, Dolphins, Seahawks

Losses: Steelers, Texans, Jets, Jaguars, Colts (x2), Patriots, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is coming off a record breaking year in which he recorded the most yards from scrimmage ever in a season.  Johnson has said that he is aiming to rush for 2,500 yards, but it remains to be seen if his body can handle another enormous workload.  Regardless, having CJ in your backfield can keep your team in any game.

Impact Player            Vince Young

QB, Texas, Drafted #3, 5^th Year

After starting the season 0-6 the Titans made a switch at quarterback, starting Vince Young.  Young has had some character issues during his NFL career but is a phenomenal athlete and can change a game with his feet or his arm. 

Biggest Offseason Addition            Will Witherspoon

LB, Georgia, Drafted #73, 9^th Year

Will Witherspoon comes to the Titans after playing for the Eagles a year ago.  Witherspoon brings experience to the Titans’ linebacking core and will start and play a big role.  Witherspoon recorded 91 tackles for the Eagles a year ago and was released after the year, as the Eagles did not want to pay his salary this season.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Kevin Mawae

Center, Louisiana State, Drafted #36, 17^th Year

Kevin Mawae is old, especially for a center, but he has started every game but three in the past four years for the Titans.  He is coming off two straight pro bowls (eight in his career) and his presence will surely be missed in the middle of the Titans’ offensive line (that paved the way for a 2,000 yard rusher last year).

Biggest Draft Steal            Damian Williams

WR, USC, Drafted #77, Rookie

Damian Williams runs great routes, is dangerous after the catch has shown the ability to make very difficult catches.  At 6’1” and around 200 pounds Williams is also a dangerous returnman and is very shifty.

Biggest Draft Reach            Rusty Smith

QB, Florida Atlantic, Drafted #176, Rookie

Rusty Smith made the Titans’ roster, but he likely could have been picked up in the 7^th round or as a free agent.  They currently have an experienced backup in Kerry Collins, so Smith will be able to develop for a few years at least.

Offseason Grade            B-

The Titans seemingly wanted to get younger as they let veterans Keith Bulluck, Kevin Mawae, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Alge Crumpler go.  Derrick Morgan could be an elite pass rusher and I think Damian Williams will play a big role in their offense down the road.  However, they resolved Chris Johnson’s contract issue, which was (rightfully so) priority number one.

X-Factor            Chris Johnson

RB, East Carolina, Drafted #24, 3^rd Year

Chris Johnson is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, so why is he the X-Factor for the Titans?  Check out this link showing how most players who lead the league in carries tend to fall off the next season.  CJ had 358 carries last year so if he stays healthy the Titans’ could challenge for a spot in the playoffs.

Name You Should Know            Stephen Tulloch

LB, NC State, Drafted #116, 5^th Year

Stephen Tulloch is hardly a household name, but he racked up 121 tackles and two sacks a year ago.  Tulloch has not missed a game in his four years and is the anchor as the middle linebacker of their 4-3 defense.

Rising Star            Kenny Britt

WR, Rutgers, Drafted #30, 2^nd Year

This, I admit, is an interesting pick here.  Kenny Britt showed that he can be a very talented receiver in 2009, catching 42 balls for 701 yards and three touchdowns.  However, after a very shaky preseason and some mental issues, Britt needs to step up and has the ability to do so. 

Offensive Outlook            B

Chris Johnson is coming off a ridiculous year and is looking to improve, and behind a very good offensive line he has a chance to reach his 2,500 yard goal.  The receiving core could use some help, but I think Vince Young is a gamer who, plain and simple, up wins football games.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Titans’ secondary is healthy again with Michael Griffin and Cortland Finnegan at full strength, but the linebacker group is a bit of a question mark and the defensive line is nothing to write home about.  Nick Harper struggled last year at corner and is gone.  The Titans could struggle against the run, as their two tackles are hardly stellar against the run.

Special Teams Outlook            B+

Last year Rob Bironas nailed five out of six field goals from 50 yards or further and 27 of 32 kicks overall.  Punter Brett Kern averaged a very respectable 45 yards per punt while Alvin Pearman averaged 10.2 yards per punt return.  The Titans will need more from their kick return game.

Projected 2010 Record            7-9

The Titans are tied with the Texans for the hardest schedule in the NFL, and the Titans lost some core veterans.  Vince Young is a gamer and Chris Johnson will continue to dominate as long as he can endure another big workload.  I don’t see the Titans being able to finish ahead of the Colts or the Texans, but will probably finish in third, ahead of the Jaguars.

NFL 2010 Preseason: Titans Vs. Cardinals

During last night's game I saw some good and some bad things. The matchup between these two teams was sluggish at the start, with two consecutive 3-and-outs for both offenses.

The Titans played last night's game with a fire and intensity that I did not see from the Cardinals. From the way they ran the ball on offense to the way they played run-stuffing defense, the Titans played fairly well from top to bottom.

The Cardinals, without top receiver Larry Fitzgerald, struggled mightily on offense. Matt Leinart failed to produce a single first down, and backup quarterback Derek Anderson was inconsistent throughout. The Cardinals did not open any running lanes for their RBs, and could not stop the Titans rushing attack. A lackluster performance from the starters and backups, and a solid effort from the third-stringers.

Here are some things I pulled away from Monday's game...

• Matt Leinart's struggles continue

Matt Leinart, against the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football, completed 4 of 6 passes for 28 yards, with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Leinart so far through the preseason has completed 10 of 13 passes for 77 yards, with a 90.9 QB rating. If you have not watched Leinart at all this preseason, the stats may mislead you. 5.9 yards/attempt will not cut it in the NFL, and a long throw of 16 yards is unacceptable with all the talent he has at WR.

I have always been baffled at why Leinart has not succeeded yet, and until last night I figured he would straighten things out. Here it is:

Leinart’s problems come down to his lack of urgency. The body language, the slow reads, and lack of leadership qualities needed at QB, lead me to questioning his ability to become the Cardinal’s franchise QB.

In his sideline interview, he essentially blew off his performance, saying” dude it’s the preseason who cares. “ also putting aside his poor game due to the Titans constant pressure.

Leinart has all the tools to succeed; throwing ability, perfect hieght at 6'5 to see over the line, and a wealth of receivers who are playmakers. The single problem I have with Matt Leinart, is his makeup.

When scouting a NFL prospect, scouts take a look at two major categories in their decision of whether or not to draft a player.

1. Physical tools: Is player "A" big enough, strong enough, fast enough to play in the NFL? If so how strong is is arm? Can he take constant hard hitting? Is he physically dominant in the college game? The questions here deal with a players natural and developed physical attributes
2. Mental Make-up: Is player "A" a student of the game? Does he understand the game of football? Does he have a strong mentality as a leader, or is he a follower? Can he handle the media pressure? Is he confident in himself? These questions help determine whether or not a player can deal with the pressures of the NFL, and are dedicated to devoting themselves in order to better understand the game.

Both categories are equally important and help determine the overall outlook on how successful a player will or will not be. In some cases the physical tools far outweigh the mental make-up, and it is up to the coaches to motivate the players, etc. Or some players understand the game so well, and are so devoted that it compensates for their lack of athletic ability.

In Leinart's case, I feel he has the tools, not the make-up. Matt Leinart has no sense of urgency in the pocket, or even on the sidelines with a reporter. Whether or not this is his "style", I couldn't care less. Leinart needs to understand that he could possibly lose his job. He has taken a country club attitude into this season, knowing he is the starter. What I would like to see is Leinart take over this team, and lead this team.
When Leinart is in the pocket, he goes into "slo-mo" and seemingly believes he has all day; the NFL nowadays is not like college ball and blitzes every down. Constant pressure is there and the ball must come out in a flash. If Leinart can become more aware at the line of scrimmage and make quicker decisions, this Arizona Cardinals offense could be very successful. We still have two more games, so Leinart has time..

• Tennessee Titans Linebackers

"Wow enough already with bashing Matt Leinart."

Alright, moving on, the Titans front seven dominated at the point of attack last night.

Stephen Tulloch (pictured) has become an elite LB and anchors this defense. The entire LB corps across the board played very well, scraping across the line and making downhill plays. The linebacking group combined for 12 solo tackles, and 7 assisted.
Rookie Rennie Curran wears Keith Bullock's former No. 53, and has impressed the Titan's coaching staff with his off-season training and preseason play. Look for Curran to get some playing time if he continues his play.

• Arizona Cardinals Defense

For all its worth, Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell still played well despite getting gashed by the Titans offense.
Campbell especially, made 6 solo tackles, 1 assisted, and forced a few errant throws. Campbell who I have talked about since early summer, has become a very good player in the NFL over the past year and a half.
If you read my Arizona Cardinals 2010 team preview, you will have a further explanation of my thoughts.

The safeties, Rhodes and Wilson, were very inconsistent yesterday. Both failed to give help over the top, and both failed to close on corner routes during a Cover 2 coverage. Vince Young pretty much had his way with the secondary, passing for 128 yards on 9 completions.

Joey Porter played decent, making a few tackles and looking fluid in pass coverage. Yet what I worry about is his lack of use oin the pass rushing scheme; a premier pass rusher, Porter blitzed less than 3 times I believe. Nevertheless if the Cardinals are more aggressive in game-planning in the regular season, look for much more success.

From top to bottom I felt throughout the game, as if the Cardinals were playing with a lack of intensity and focus. Blown coverages, missed tackles, it was not very pretty. This team needs to work hard these last few weeks of preseason in order to prepare themselves for the regular season.

• Titans Running Back Depth

"Yes Samkon Gado, there's a party in the endzone and you invited for seconds."

The rushing attack for the Titans last night started with Chris Johnson and instead of tailing off with his exit, excelled even more.

The combination of Javon Ringer, Samkon Gado, and LeGarrette Blount rushed 23 times for a combined 90 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Javon Ringer: Hard-nosed runner between the tackles, showed some strength in broken tackles, and is a one-cut runner. Played immediately following Chris Johnson's exit. Ran for 27 yards on 7 carries
Samkon Gado: Ran down-hill and exploded through tacklers. Seeks out contact, and is a violent runner. Scored touchdowns on a pair of solid 4 yard runs. Looked like he was back in Green Bay, where his career really took off. Gado is making a push to become a goal-line back. Ran for 21 yards on 7 carries for 2 TDs
LeGarrette Blount: Showed his sheer athletic ability, hurdling defenders in his 247 pound body frame. Displayed ability to get to the outside and go North-South. Blount ran with a lot of strength and power and essentially closed out the game for the Titans. Ran for 42 yards on 9 carries.

All in all, the Titans are very deep at the RB position and look poised to lead the NFL in rushing yards.

• Chris "Beanie" Wells

With the QB struggles of the Arizona Cardinals, it is imperative that Chris Wells in 2010 become a workhorse back.

The combo of Tim Hightower and Chris Wells will need to be major contributors this upcoming season if the Cardinals are to have success as an offense; last night I saw nothing that would make me believe this can happen.

It seems that the Offensive Line is unable to create running lanes, neither backs should be at fault for the lack of production so far, as both have clawed and scratched each play just to get back to the LOS (line of scrimmage).

Nevertheless Wells busted open one long run of 17 yards, showing everyone he is very capable in getting to the outside. Wells must be used effectively and efficiently for the Cardinals to succeed.

• Finally, VY

It sure looks like Vince Young has almost put it all together.

Aside from a few mistakes and early 3-and-outs, Vince Young looked poised in the pocket, getting the ball out in a flash. Young has made tremendous strides over the past year, and Young showed everything you would want to see from your starting QB.

Young completed 9 of 13 passes for 128 yards, while rushing for 10 yards.
VY is a winner, as evidenced by his 26-13 NFL record, and he is dedicated to success. When interviewed, he basically said he understands the game more, and focuses on determining what the defense is trying to do. A more devoted Vince Young can be extremely successful in 2010, as he will not be counted on to throw for 4,000 yards, but rather throwing less than 10 interceptions.

Vince Young also showed the playmaking ability rolling out of the pocket and instead of tucking and running, actually threw to a check down receiver for a first down. Through 2 preseason games, I have been amazed at how far this QB has come. Let's see how he closes the preseason out...

• Lavelle Hawkins

Also Lavelle Hawkins made an unbelievable play. Here's a link to the play,Lavelle Hawkins is a beast!
Anyways that's all I got for today, check out my sportswriter page at BleachReport.com
Later...