If Cam Newton Not Taken #1 Overall Gil Brandt Would Be Shocked

[MarionBarberThe4th]

It would shock me . . . if he’s not the first player picked,” Brandt told the Forth Worth Star-Telegram on Monday. “If I was drafting and I had Carolina’s [No. 1] pick, I’d feel really good about who I was getting as far as ability. I just hope he realizes how hard he needs to work.”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/22/gil-brandt-would-be-shocked-if-cam-newton-isnt-taken-first-overall/

I dont know about all that, but hes obviously going way higher than many peopel were projecting a few weeks ago.


Maybe the Skins jump up and get him.

[ZeroClub]

Carolina needs a QB.

Drafting the QB with the most upside makes sense for Carolina, IMO.

The new collective bargaining agreement will have some sort of rookie salary cap. This will mean that drafting a bust isn't going to kill your salary cap like it used to.

The rookie salary cap will take some risk out of drafting high risk - high reward players.

To me, Newton seems like a high risk - high reward player. ... I think it is going to take him a while to adjust his game to the NFL. If his contract doesn't involve crazy high $$$, maybe the team that drafts him can afford to be more patient.

[Avery]

The whispers will start beginning tomorrow.

I don't get the Jamarcus Russell comparisons. Though about the same height, Russell was fat while Newton is in great shape. He can run better than Russell and has better accuracy. Not quite the arm, but few do as Jamarcus could toss it.

Carolina isn't attached to Clausen and with a new coaching staff may look to start fresh.

[baj1dallas]

Newton is much more accomplished than Russel was and certainly isn't going to have trouble being in shape. Like they say it all comes down to how good of a learner and hard of a worker he is, as well as how patient his new team will be with him as he'd be better off not having to start immediately imo.

[jterrell]

Russell was an incredible talent who failed because of want to.

If Newton checks out in the interviews he'll go very high.

[realtick]

I'm really intrigued by Cam Newton.

I think Cam is a fantastic athlete and a lot more polished than folks like to give him credit for. As a QB, the Ben Rothliberger comparisons are apt. He's not a 4.3 running, run-first/pass-last player like Mike Vick was coming out. Neither is he a purely pocket ala Sam Bradford or Matthew Stafford. He is however a playmaker; he's adept at stepping out the pocket and either buying time with his feet or finding a receiver after the initial play breaks down.

Having said all that, I'm not sure the Panthers would be willing to take Cam that high. I don't think Cam is a Day 1 starter.

[Muhast]

I don't care how you slice it, it would be beyond stupid in my mind to draft a QB first overall when you just used a 2nd and a 4th the year before on qbs.

Carolina would be much better off going after one of the numerous FA QB's like a Matt Hasselbeck to fill in for 2-3 years while they groom what they have in place.

[Joe Rod]

I don't care how you slice it, it would be beyond stupid in my mind to draft a QB first overall when you just used a 2nd and a 4th the year before on qbs.

Carolina would be much better off going after one of the numerous FA QB's like a Matt Hasselbeck to fill in for 2-3 years while they groom what they have in place.

It seems like all of the potential number 1s have their warts, but I can't see the Panthers going after anyone but Fairley, Bowers or Green. They have some serious needs at those positions and, like you said, it makes no sense to give up on Clausen after only one season.

They may end up making out in another year and have first shot at Andrew Luck.

[jterrell]

It seems like all of the potential number 1s have their warts, but I can't see the Panthers going after anyone but Fairley, Bowers or Green. They have some serious needs at those positions and, like you said, it makes no sense to give up on Clausen after only one season.

They may end up making out in another year and have first shot at Andrew Luck.

I'd mock Bowers to Carolina who know him well.

Cam to the Bills. The Bills at some point need to sell tickets and get on tv more than once a year. Signing T.O. didn't do that but drafting Cam might. Plus an offensive coach like Chan Gailey can build around a running game and a young, elite QB.

Chan obviously has plenty of ties to the Southeast part of the country from his college coaching days.

1. Bowers
2. Fairley
3. Cam
4. PP

my early guesses.
i think Green may be the faller as WR are notoriously bad as very high picks. (yes, andre johnson and fitz have panned out but very few do)

[burmafrd]

I really do not see why so many are slobbering all over Newton. Just do not.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

I don't care how you slice it, it would be beyond stupid in my mind to draft a QB first overall when you just used a 2nd and a 4th the year before on qbs.

Carolina would be much better off going after one of the numerous FA QB's like a Matt Hasselbeck to fill in for 2-3 years while they groom what they have in place.


I disagree. If you have what you think is an elite QB sitting there you take him. I would have taken Andrew Luck had we not fired Wade and Luck came out.

[Muhast]

I disagree. If you have what you think is an elite QB sitting there you take him. I would have taken Andrew Luck had we not fired Wade and Luck came out.

Yea but Cam Newton isn't an elite QB. Nobody in the world would have taken him over Andrew Luck. Luck was elite. Cam is very gifted and maybe great but who knows. He played one year of major NCAA football. You just can't risk it at #1 overall knowing you maybe banking your future on a guy that may never be special. Any other scenario I could see, but they just drafted 2 qb's last year. It just doesn't make sense to draft 3 qb's in the first 4 rounds in 2 seasons.

Cam Newton isn't the prospect that Andrew Luck is. But luck isn't in this draft.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Yea but Cam Newton isn't an elite QB. Nobody in the world would have taken him over Andrew Luck. Luck was elite. Cam is very gifted and maybe great but who knows. He played one year of major NCAA football. You just can't risk it at #1 overall knowing you maybe banking your future on a guy that may never be special. Any other scenario I could see, but they just drafted 2 qb's last year. It just doesn't make sense to draft 3 qb's in the first 4 rounds in 2 seasons.

Cam Newton isn't the prospect that Andrew Luck is. But luck isn't in this draft.


Well, Newton isnt Luck but hes still top 5. If he grades out high enough than Carolina shouldnt worry at all about Jimmy Claussen or Tony Pike. If those guys turn into anything than even better. You have a good backup or trade bait. You always look for QB's if you dont have one, nd right now they dont have one as far as they know

What if they suck? Than you have Daquan Bowers or AJ Green and no QB. You still arent winning and back to square 1 next year.

[Hostile]

If he is number 1, it does nothing but help Dallas. The more QBs who go high the better the DL or DB that falls to us at #9. Imagine if Buffalo feels they have to also take a QB at 3. This helps us.

I hope Gil is right and Carolina is in love with Cam Newton.

[burmafrd]

If he is number 1, it does nothing but help Dallas. The more QBs who go high the better the DL or DB that falls to us at #9. Imagine if Buffalo feels they have to also take a QB at 3. This helps us.

I hope Gil is right and Carolina is in love with Cam Newton.

reading that it seems more like that is what Gil thinks more than anything anyone in Carolina thinks.

[realtick]

If he is number 1, it does nothing but help Dallas. The more QBs who go high the better the DL or DB that falls to us at #9. Imagine if Buffalo feels they have to also take a QB at 3. This helps us.

I hope Gil is right and Carolina is in love with Cam Newton.

Bingo

[DFWJC]

I think there are plenty out there still that don't even think he'll be the 1st QB drafted, let alone the 1st overall pick.

[trickblue]

The big question is how much his dad will charge the team that drafts him... ;)

[The Realist]

I think the QB's going early hurts us more than it could help.

None of the guys who could slide to us change our fortunes that much.

If a QB slides to 9 though and someone is desperate to move up, no telling what they will give.

I'll take the phone call we get at 9 if Newton/Gabbert are there vs any player that could slide to us if they go higher.

[Doomsday101]

Carolina needs a QB.

Drafting the QB with the most upside makes sense for Carolina, IMO.

The new collective bargaining agreement will have some sort of rookie salary cap. This will mean that drafting a bust isn't going to kill your salary cap like it used to.

The rookie salary cap will take some risk out of drafting high risk - high reward players.

To me, Newton seems like a high risk - high reward player. ... I think it is going to take him a while to adjust his game to the NFL. If his contract doesn't involve crazy high $$$, maybe the team that drafts him can afford to be more patient.

It makes sense only if they feel these QB's can do the job.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Reading a ton of cocky comments from Newton today. Wonder how that will play w/ the teams.

Id think it mostly helps. His star factor is a huge draw

[Hostile]

I would not fault Carolina for making this move. Not one bit. You are going to pay that #1 overall pick unless the new CBA addresses the issue. I'd rather pay that scratch and roll the dice on a QB than on a DT or DE unless I know that guy is a Bruce Smith or Mario Williams caliber player. I do not see that in Fairley even though I like him a lot.

[MichaelWinicki]

If he is number 1, it does nothing but help Dallas. The more QBs who go high the better the DL or DB that falls to us at #9. Imagine if Buffalo feels they have to also take a QB at 3. This helps us.

I hope Gil is right and Carolina is in love with Cam Newton.

Exactly right.

If nothing else it will fuel the possibility of either another QB going prior to the Dallas choice at #9, or will motivate someone to work with Dallas on a trade scenario.

[Doomsday101]

I would not fault Carolina for making this move. Not one bit. You are going to pay that #1 overall pick unless the new CBA addresses the issue. I'd rather pay that scratch and roll the dice on a QB than on a DT or DE unless I know that guy is a Bruce Smith or Mario Williams caliber player. I do not see that in Fairley even though I like him a lot.

They drafted Jimmy Clausen last season not so sure they will give up on him this early and with Ron Rivera taking over as HC I think they will do defense with the 1st pick

[casmith07]

Prepare to be shocked, Gil. I just don't see it.

But, for the record, I think Cam Newton is going to be great. He's a good passer and has Roethlisberger size with Vick athleticism.

If Sam Bradford, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and other guys can make the transition under center okay, Cam Newton can too. It's not like Tebow where his throwing mechanics were completely jacked up from the get go.

[Muhast]

Prepare to be shocked, Gil. I just don't see it.

But, for the record, I think Cam Newton is going to be great. He's a good passer and has Roethlisberger size with Vick athleticism.

If Sam Bradford, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and other guys can make the transition under center okay, Cam Newton can too. It's not like Tebow where his throwing mechanics were completely jacked up from the get go.


Cam reminds me of Josh Freeman.

The difference is Cam's dad seems like he will be involved and Cam will become a headache for whatever team drafts him.

[LatinMind]

If he is number 1, it does nothing but help Dallas. The more QBs who go high the better the DL or DB that falls to us at #9. Imagine if Buffalo feels they have to also take a QB at 3. This helps us.

I hope Gil is right and Carolina is in love with Cam Newton.

With what is being said about the Dallas secondary by their coaches. Its going to be either DL or trade down for Dallas IMO.

Me at this point i wouldnt mind a trade down. Add picks and see what Garrett can do with more picks.

Rahim Moore

[Chocolate Lab]

I definitely think he goes before we pick. He can be great as long as he has the right attitude.

Which is the whole question... Saw today where he said he sees himself not just as a player, but as an entertainer and an icon. :cool:

[casmith07]

Cam reminds me of Josh Freeman.

The difference is Cam's dad seems like he will be involved and Cam will become a headache for whatever team drafts him.

Fans and the media are the only people still worried about Cam Newton's dad, I promise you that.

[TheFinisher]

This is honestly how I see the top 10 going


1. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos- Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
3. Buffalo Bills- Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco 49ers- Robert Quinn, OLB, UNC
8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU
10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

[CaptainAmerica]

Newton's physical ability isn't the question, its his character and maturity. So many issues following him with the stealing and cheating charges at Florida, the NCAA issues at Auburn, etc. Of course the NCAA issues aren't that critical as Reggie Bush showed but there are so many questions about his overall character and ability to handle the NFL once he gets the money. Several background artilces on Cam point out he is like a big kid, with immaturity issues and his Dad heavily involved in his life. I would be afraid of him.

High reward, high risk player.

[Doomsday101]

I definitely think he goes before we pick. He can be great as long as he has the right attitude.

Which is the whole question... Saw today where he said he sees himself not just as a player, but as an entertainer and an icon. :cool:

It is hard to say. Today I agree but there is a long way to go and a lot of scrutiny and in-depth analysis of players between now and draft day. Add to that Cam only played 1 season of college ball unlike many top rated QB's over the years who produced very good season for 2, 3 and 4 years at the college level.

[casmith07]

Newton's physical ability isn't the question, its his character and maturity. So many issues following him with the stealing and cheating charges at Florida, the NCAA issues at Auburn, etc. Of course the NCAA issues aren't that critical as Reggie Bush showed but there are so many questions about his overall character and ability to handle the NFL once he gets the money. Several background artilces on Cam point out he is like a big kid, with immaturity issues and his Dad heavily involved in his life. I would be afraid of him.

High reward, high risk player.

Like I said, I can almost guarantee the only people still worried about Cam Newton's dad are the fans. It was money - now he'll get his money, and pops will take his cut. It's not that big of a deal anymore.

It is hard to say. Today I agree but there is a long way to go and a lot of scrutiny and in-depth analysis of players between now and draft day. Add to that Cam only played 1 season of college ball unlike many top rated QB's over the years who produced very good season for 2, 3 and 4 years at the college level.

You forget his JuCo championship too?

I'm still baffled how this kid was sitting behind Tebow.

[Doomsday101]

Like I said, I can almost guarantee the only people still worried about Cam Newton's dad are the fans. It was money - now he'll get his money, and pops will take his cut. It's not that big of a deal anymore.



You forget his JuCo championship too?

I'm still baffled how this kid was sitting behind Tebow.

Not forgetting it at all and I don't see that as a big positive that he could not show enough to get to a major college program at the get go. No doubt others like Aaron Rodgers went to Juco before entering a major program but Rodgers showed it for 2 years at Cal before heading to the NFL. I think because many coaches look at 1st rd QB's as coach killers are going to be a bit more careful about who they want to go with.

[ninja]

Rookie QB Cam Newton >>> 2nd Year QB Jimmy Clausen

[Doomsday101]

Rookie QB Cam Newton >>> 2nd Year QB Jimmy Clausen

That is the expectation. Ryan Leaf was going to be better than Peyton Manning according to many draft gurus. :laugh2:

[ringmaster]

That is the expectation. Ryan Leaf was going to be better than Peyton Manning according to many draft gurus. :laugh2: Exactly....:starspin

[RealCowboyfan]

This is honestly how I see the top 10 going


1. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos- Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
3. Buffalo Bills- Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama
4. Cincinnati Bengals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco 49ers- Robert Quinn, OLB, UNC
8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU
10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama


To be honest with you, if Nick Fairly get that close, I believe the Cowboys should trade up to get him, he will be a force to be recon with. Cowboys should just sign a conerback in FA Nshamida Asomagou should be considered.

I believe with Spears leaving, the Cowboys could use Ratliff on the End and put Fairly in the middle. They should also draft Virginia Tech Carmichael in the later rounds and develop him and McCann, whoelse I believe can possibly have big-play ability.

[ThreeSportStar80]

I've been saying Newton will go higher than people think... Dude has a winning pedigree and can make all the throws. I love his attitude and passion.

[RealCowboyfan]

I've been saying Newton will go higher than people think... Dude has a winning pedigree and can make all the throws. I love his attitude and passion.

I wanted him to be the Cowboys Quarterback but people shoot it down so much settling for Tony Romo, who can't win the big games.

[RealCowboyfan]

To be honest with you, if Nick Fairly get that close, I believe the Cowboys should trade up to get him, he will be a force to be recon with. Cowboys should just sign a conerback in FA Nshamida Asomagou should be considered.

I believe with Spears leaving, the Cowboys could use Ratliff on the End and put Fairly in the middle. They should also draft Virginia Tech Carmichael in the later rounds and develop him and McCann, whoelse I believe can possibly have big-play ability.


Check it out. I believe with Nick Fairley ability to dominant a game could boost our pass-rush with Ratliff and Brent..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQnHuoot5cs