Bucky Brooks impressed by Cam Newton at private workout
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: The College Park native passed for 265 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 64 to lead the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season. The Heisman Trophy winner had a passer rating 182.05, while throwing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs. Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, of Westlake High, and Georgia’s A.J. Green will be the local players with the highest profiles at the NFL scouting combine.
Newton had a private media workout in California on Thursday.
“He was really good,” NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks said. “He was phenomenal. When you talk about form a pure talent perspective, it’s hard to find people at talented as he is at that position.”
Brooks, a former second round pick by the Buffalo Bills, was a regional scout for Carolina and Seattle. Here’s his video from the NFL Network.
“Big presence, big guy,” Brooks said. “Very athletic. Graceful in his movements. Strong arm. He can make all of the throws with little effort.”
For some reason, Mike Mayock compared Newton’s workout to a similar workout by LSU’s JaMarcus Russell, where he looked special. I believe the point was that these workouts can be misleading.
If teams think like Mayock on Newton, he’ll have to convince them that he has a good work ethic, the ability to lead and is smart enough to pick up an NFL offense. (Those were Russell’s NFL failure’s in a nutshell).
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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127 comments Add your comment
tim hart
February 12th, 2011
12:29 am
wonderlic comments are racist also
tim hart
February 12th, 2011
12:33 am
i administer the wonderlic test. wonder what u would score?
A T
February 12th, 2011
1:15 am
That comparison is absurd. Russell’s workout is considered by some to be the best ever. Newton’s workout wasn’t so “off the charts great” that those two workouts should be compared. If you want to say something like “A workout is one thing but you don’t think he’ll be able to make it an NFL QB because…” OR “Despite the workout, former coaches have said they he….. which doesn’t bode well for his NFL future.” then that’s one thing. But the fact is that lots of QBs look good in workouts; they go by script and the QBs work with WRs they’re used to. So comparing Newton’s & Russell’s workout is about as valid as comparing Newton to anyone who had a good one whether they had a good career or not. How about comparing Newton’s workout to Mark Sanchez’s (who Mayock was so impressed with), they both only started a year in college (although Sanchez played when JD Booty got hurt….they folx at USC were glad when Booty got healthy and came back, by the way). That’s a bit more legit. Or how about Tim Tebow, you know, the guy he backed up at UF and a guy who ran almost the same offense in college. Those would be good comparisons.
I hate when people make comparisons like that…and when they make stereotypes. I remember some idiots on nfl network saying that Russell has some athleticism when he ran his 4.83 forty at his pro day. 4.83 is athletic? what tape did they watch with him being athletic? The only person Russell should be compared to is Jared Lorenzen or…maybe Porkchop Womack.
Russell’s passing stats at LSU were pretty impressive. his “athletic” stats were not.
2004 LSU 26 -41 -1.6 13 1 0 0 0
2005 LSU 61 -22 -0.4 22 2 0 0 0
2006 LSU 52 142 2.7 34 1 0 0 0
While Newton didn’t throw the ball nearly as much, he actually had a better passer rating in than Russell in college. Please don’t compare them.
tim hart
February 12th, 2011
1:18 am
enough must have been said. goodnight haters and racists.
tim hart
February 12th, 2011
1:21 am
great points AT
Red and Black
February 12th, 2011
4:27 am
Who care?
Red and Black
February 12th, 2011
4:27 am
Who cares?
Play the right slot machine :)
February 12th, 2011
6:01 am
When you add the NFL money to Cam Newton, it will be the beginning of the end. Let’s remember these comments when we see the first big story of this talented fellow wrapped up in some trouble resulting from too much money. I give it to the 2nd NFL game.
Another UGA player arrested
February 12th, 2011
6:30 am
While all the ‘necks were busy posing here, 3 more UGA players were arrested.
I give your new dreamteam RB until midseason before his first arrest or “unidentified violation of team rules.”
That’s the Georgia Way
DNice
February 12th, 2011
6:45 am
Exactly people only racists try to compare the next quarterback with black skin color to the one that preceded them. HOw about comparing him to Warren Moon since you wont to compare because Moon was one of the all-time great. Russell did nothing in college besides that one pass he threw. Basically his stat line was more like Gabbert and Locker. Isnt the objective to win and with that I think Cam has done a pretty good job with three champs in college.
Vincey Young also has done nothing but win and that you cant deny even if he had some issues with hic coach. Hey at least he didnt go Sprewell on him LOL. Russell also is not mobile ala Mallet but at least I can see Mallet put up numbers in the SEC unlike gabbert or Locker. Those two put up rather pedestrian numbers if you ask me because if they are ready then I think Greg talley could lead the Falcons to the NFC Championship. Check your history people if you dont know Greg talley
Panther Fan
February 12th, 2011
7:10 am
Another UGA player arrested
February 12th, 2011
6:30 am
While all the ‘necks were busy posing here, 3 more UGA players were arrested.
Please provide proof or just STHU.
Mad Hatter
February 12th, 2011
7:25 am
Once Cam Newton tastes the money his motivation will fall off a cliff.
He has played the system his entire college career. One year at Florida or they say it was a year. Got into trouble. We do not know if he even went to class his freshman semester. Went to a JC for one year. Did he go to class, what credits if any were transferred. On to Auburn for one semester and to play one season. Then the NFL.
He has played the system, Florida, the JC, and Aurburn. He found a way around 3 years and out with ONE year and out!
SWAT Native
February 12th, 2011
7:32 am
Someone earlier asked if Cam can become a great NFL citizen like Warrick Dunn. People forget now that Warrick had his “issues” at FSU too. Give the kid a chance.
WDE
Delaney
February 12th, 2011
7:33 am
I think people are confusing Cam Newton with Nick Fairley when they talk about him being articulate. Cam appeared to be fine. Auburn should never have allowed a micriophone to be put in front of Fairley.
Another AU scandal
February 12th, 2011
7:35 am
In the time it took you to read this article Auburn committed three more NCAA infractions.
WDSE!
Bill
February 12th, 2011
7:42 am
It is interesting that everyone wants to compare Cam Newton to JaMarcus Russell. I always thought the most apt comparison was Josh Freeman. I hope Carolina takes Newton to start their rebuilding.
RxDawg
February 12th, 2011
8:17 am
So what player is Auburn getting in the trade?
Football Fan
February 12th, 2011
8:19 am
Larry, Larry, Larry…guessing you scored a 800 on your SAT’s. If you had actually been paying attention to the interviews you would know this guy is smart…no Russell comparison. Russell was dumb on the field…big difference.
SE Dawg Fan
February 12th, 2011
8:27 am
You know the old adage, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I still find it so hard to believe that the NCAA didn’t punish Cecil Newton and that Cam was unaware about what was going on with $$$.
SE Dawg Fan
February 12th, 2011
8:32 am
Panther Fan,
You better be able to provide proof for your accusation that three more UGA players were arrested. If it were true, it would be front page on the AJC. I think you can get into trouble for false accusations.
RambleOn84
February 12th, 2011
9:03 am
I don’t think Cam Newton’s talent, work ethic, or leadership can be questioned.
I do, however, think his past behavior (the stolen laptop, academic misconduct, the “pay for play” scandal) is a red flag.
Regardless of the details or validity of these claims individually, when you add them all up, it is a big deal.
However, I would definitely take him if I needed a quarterback. I think he is a much better option than Blaine Gabbert, but that’s just me.
Old Gold
February 12th, 2011
9:06 am
Newton is probably too dumb to be a good NFL QB! Bet he didn’t go to any classes at Auburn unless it was BBQ 101 !
D man
February 12th, 2011
9:16 am
I hope Carolina picks him. We will have two easy wins for years to come against them.
Runnin With The Dawgs
February 12th, 2011
9:17 am
When it comes to the NFL Draft, there are very few top shelf players that can make an impact coming out each year. Cam Newton is one of these players. He is a hard working leader that is going to be successful in the NFL. One of the problems with the Falcons is Matt Ryan, and the fact that he is very protected by the fans and the media. I’m sorry but this is about winning, and even though MR is a great QB he is not the man that will take the Falcons to the top, and keep them there. He is too inconsistant. When he has a bad game it’s a REALLY bad game. If Blank and Smith and Dimitroff are smart they’ll come up with a way to get Newton. I’m not saying get rid of MR. It would be nice to have two great QB’s on the Falcons. It would be great to be able to change gears in a drive. What a way to confuse a defense. I’m just saying!
bozydeco
February 12th, 2011
9:19 am
Anyone who drafts Cam Newton will be fortunate. This guy progressed this season as a QB under Gus Malzahn. Thus, he is coachable. When teams focused on stopping him running with a “spy”, Auburn threw for a lot of yardage. The guy has been humbled (painting his JUCO team’s stadium with fellow teammates during a summer), works hard, and is loved by teammates. I wish my ‘Skins would draft him to replace aging McNabb as QB.
Dean
February 12th, 2011
9:21 am
Yeah, I forgot that Matt Ryan is so bad. Three winning seasons and a 13 win season. He’s brought the proud Falcon franchise so far down. Get Real!!!
DMR
February 12th, 2011
9:24 am
Cam may be the most pure athletic talent available. I would not even be terribly concerned about his work ethic as of yet. He has given no reason to believe he won’t work hard to win; at least not to the public eye. The big issue with Cam Newton will be if he has enough guts to shed any “hangers-on” that may be detrimental to his career; even if that is family. I don’t know Cam’s father. I know parents want the best for their kids. Sometimes you have to turn your kids over to professionals that know what they are doing and talking about and let them go. Cam’s biggest liability going forward maybe the interference of a caring but over-involved father. Time to grow up and take your career in your own hands Cam. Good luck!
SawThat1nce
February 12th, 2011
9:27 am
I am just glad that he will no longer be playing in the SEC.
My hope is that he will be playing for an AFC perennial loser, that the Falcons will only have to face, once every four years.
SawThat1nce
February 12th, 2011
9:31 am
Runnin Dawg@9:17am……I don’t want to say your comment is stupid, so I will say, it is not smart.
DawgNole
February 12th, 2011
9:33 am
SWAT Native: “People forget now that Warrick had his “issues” at FSU too.”
And what “issues” were those? Best I can recall, Dunn was examplary–on the field and off–and overcame the tragic shooting death of his mother to become a model citizen.
SawThat1nce
February 12th, 2011
9:34 am
@9:17……If your name is a Native American ripoff, might I suggest you consider changing it, and start using the name, Chief Two Dawgs.
Trojan
February 12th, 2011
9:35 am
Does character count? Stealing, cheating in class, pay for play are choices made my PC Cam.
Auburn booster
February 12th, 2011
9:52 am
Cam can’t hold a first pro work out, he had that his first day at AU. Just like he can’t go pro since he’s already pro.
AuTigerAtl
February 12th, 2011
10:02 am
I’ve been lucky enough to know Cam Newton, and I can tell you for an absolute fact that he is a fine young man. He’s a solid citizen with a tremendous amount of talent and any team would be lucky to have him. We loved him at Auburn, and we’ll love him in the NFL. Those of you who make nasty comments about him reveal unpleasant details about yourselves and nothing about Cam. I have no way of knowing for sure, but you lead me to believe that you have pathetic little lives.
War Eagle, Cam! And best wishes for a successful run in the NFL.
Runnin With The Dawgs
February 12th, 2011
10:03 am
Another good pick for the Falcons in the draft will be Shane Vareen … RB … Calif. Vareen has good speed and is not what I consider a tiny back. He will fit in good with Cam N. and M. Turner to make up a dynamic running game for the Birds. There will also be a strong passing threat with Vareen and Newton and the rest of the Falcon receivers.
winn perrett
February 12th, 2011
10:08 am
For all those people talking about his character you should know that Cam went on Mondays during the year to tutor kids at a local Auburn elementary school. He went and did this on his own,by the way.
Alburnsux
February 12th, 2011
10:10 am
Cam is like many Ncaa players with a questionable past who just happens to be one of the finest football players on the planet. Will he make it at the next level? He certainly has the physical tools so it will be up to him to put in the hard work in order to be successful. Thats what all the GM’s and gurus will be trying to determine over the next few months. But this is not the real story this year. It is not about Cam.
This year is more of a reflection on the school that recruited him. I can never recall a university especially one that just won a NCAA championship with such a tarnished image. I never gave Auburn much thought before; just another SEC school with a decent football program. Not any more. Auburn will forever be tarnished with the image of a corrupt program of big time cheaters. I’m sure others like me have researched Auburn football history since the Cam situation and have reached the same conclusion. My guess is that one day Terry Bowden will say enough and write a book and shed a light on this scum bag program.Maybe that will be before Auburn gets what they so richly deserve: the death penalty from the NCAA.
winn perrett
February 12th, 2011
10:15 am
People forget that Alabama was on probation last year when they won the NC but you never heard anything about that
Aquagirl
February 12th, 2011
10:17 am
Hmmmm….great physical talent, big arm, not sure about the ethics….where have the Falcons heard all this before?
Dirty Dawg
February 12th, 2011
10:27 am
Sorry Mike and AUFan…just saw that I had ‘hit a nerve’ with you guys yesterday. As for ‘what truth’, surely I don’t need to repeat what everybody knows – and in particular the FBI – and will, in time (assuming the Lowder/Uncle Milty/PDye PFP group hasn’t come up with the required ‘bribe money’, or copped a plea, in order to keep AU out of the story when the case is finally filed.) be revealed for all to see.
Jealous redneck? Admittedly upset that you guys got away with it long enough to run the table last season, but jealous? Hardly. Cause I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I knew that that sword – you know, the Damocles thing – was still there and, sooner or later, would do its thing…and being called a redneck by a ‘Barner’ is funny – kinda like being called ugly by a frog (I never really get to use that one much anymore, so thanks). I mean just because you claim ‘one of us’ set fire to the ‘decorations’ at Toomer’s Corner doesn’t make us ‘necks’, hell we just know the best way to get toilet paper out of trees and thought we’d give you a hand.
So enjoy all this while you can, cause it ain’t gonna last forever. By the way, dollars to doughnuts Georgia whips your peckerwood a$$es this next season – that too is a ‘truth will out’ kind of thing…karma baby.
Dennis
February 12th, 2011
10:30 am
wonderlic schmunderlic..who cares? Like D. Orlando mentioned, Favre had a 13. This kid is NOT Young or Russell. They have nowhere near the leadership skills Newton has. JUST the fact he overcame all he did with what went on with his dad, still was able to focus and win, ESPECIALLY against Alabama after being behind…this kid is special. Dilfer’s a pretty good analyst and he loves the guy. Could be another Aaron Rodgers but more athletic, with right team.
dawgfan
February 12th, 2011
10:40 am
I happen to think the race baiters are right on this one for once. Anytime there is a black QB in the NFL draft people immediately raise questions about whether he is smart enough to run an NFL offense and question his leadership skills. They are portrayed as relying purely on physical athletic gifts with not much going on upstairs. Its the same drivel damn near every single time. Cam Newton is not Jemarcus Russell or Vince Young. He is Cam Newton. He has nothing in common with those guys beyond the color of his skin. He is his own man.
Dennis
February 12th, 2011
10:40 am
a great situation for Newton would be Seattle. Hasselbeck is getting older but could mentor Cam, as he had to overcome odds to be a starting NFL QB. Also, Holmgren brought him to where he needed to be, as he did with Favre. Would be a great fit, give him a couple of years to not have to be THE guy and he could be another Warren Moon, but taller, able to see better out of the pocket, and more mobile. Sort of a faster version of Rothlisberger.
fairburn1
February 12th, 2011
10:45 am
Who cares! whats up with aj!
SawThat1nce
February 12th, 2011
10:47 am
Just keep him out of the NFC South, at least.
Dennis
February 12th, 2011
10:51 am
I believe Alex Smith, who was top pick of 49′ers several years ago, had a 33 on the Wonderlic..but went to a horrible team, a new coach every year or so for a couple of years. Put in a position to fail. Cam overcoming what he did to still focus & win at AU – and I’m a Dawgs fan – you just don’t see that kind of intestinal fortitude. He had some problems at Florida but I think the kid’s matured, and as with any college kid, will still need to mature more (see Stafford, Matthew & some off-field stuff in Detroit). Cam will be fine.
DHD
February 12th, 2011
11:18 am
Why is this an article? Is it some sort of shock that the Heisman winner would impress in workouts? Weird.
tiger7_88
February 12th, 2011
11:28 am
Dirty Dawg, the fact that you are confusing “truth” with “fantasy” tells us all we need to know about how little intelligence you actually possess. Don’t stop hopin’ and prayin’, brother! Your bitterness and envy are like ambrosia to me! LOL!
dawgfan
February 12th, 2011
11:51 am
A legitimate question about Cam Newton would be whether he could be consistantly successful over the course of a long NFL career. As great as he was last year, it was still just one year. He isn’t like Tebow or Stafford who put in 3 or 4 solid years of duty in the toughest league in college football. It was just one year and the SEC wasn’t that tough last year.
THE MAJOR
February 12th, 2011
12:02 pm
Cam Newton has a great work ethic. How can people like Mike Mayock make that assumption when they know nothing about the person. Reading articles where his former team mates at Auburn talked about how hard he worked, spending the whole summer running, dragging receivers oout to throw, first one in the weight room, last one to leave. This kid is a leader! He will be very successful.