Newton Gets Mixed Reviews At Combine

 Send This Story To A Friend

Cam Newton must have looked a lot better at his media workout than he did at the NFL combine.  For instead of analysts like Trent Dilfer drooling — his words — Newton left several actual NFL personnel men questioning his ability.

One “veteran scout” told ProFootballTalk.com that Newton “looks terrible.”  The site points out that due to the scout’s team’s draft needs, there would be no reason for him to attempt to downplay Newton’s skills. 

ESPN.com reports that Newton did better in workout drills than he did passing the football:


Newton turned scouts’ head when he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.59 seconds, which tied Washington’s Jake Locker for the third-fastest time among quarterbacks, tied for the best broad jump at 10 feet, 6 inches and had a 35-inch vertical jump.

But the Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn struggled with his accuracy in the throwing drills, frequently overthrowing receivers, reports ESPN.com’s Tim Graham.


On the other hand, ESPN’s John Clayton said Newton looked like “the real deal” and “he’s the type of quarterback you can build around as long as you have good coaching and patience.”  He also said Newton’s arm is “stronger and more natural” than Hall of Famer Steve Young’s.

(Sidenote — Clayton also said that Ryan Mallett was the best passer overall.)

As for Newton’s inaccuracy during the passing drills, he says he “underestimated the time aspect of playing quarterback.”  He added, “You had receivers from the SEC, the SWAC, the MAC. … I was somewhat frustrated, but at the same time, I was having fun.”

Timing is one reason many quarterbacks stay away from passing drills at the combine and instead show off their arms on their college campuses with receivers they’re familiar with.  However, having receivers “from the SEC, the SWAC and the MAC” didn’t hurt Mallett or some others.

Bottom line: Post-combine there’s still no telling exactly where Newton might be drafted.