NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t
Cam Newton could be first pick in draft.
Tim Tebow was a surprising first-round pick.
Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos last year. That decision was such an overwhelming success that the organization was mocked and ridiculed, the Broncos finished 4-12 and coach Josh McDaniels, who pushed the button on the decision, was fired.
Cam Newton is expected to be the first overall pick of tonight’s NFL draft by Carolina. There’s a pretty good chance many will ridicule them for it. But it says here the Panthers would not be making a mistake.
Loading ...I can’t remember the last time two quarterbacks caused so much debate and even moronic dissection going into a draft. One draft analyst, Nolan Narwocki of Pro Football Weekly, even declared that Newton “has a fake smile.”
If that were the determining factor for success, you can throw out half of the Hall of Fame.
I am not a draft expert, something I’m comfortable admitting since even draft experts are not draft experts. (Hindsight proves that.) But I’ll go out on a limb on this one: Cam Newton will succeed as a starting NFL quarterback and Tim Tebow won’t.
Before I turn it over to you for your thoughts on the subject — and don’t forget to vote in our poll — here are some thoughts from your amateur draftnik.
♦ Tebow: He’s a great kid. He’s popular. He’s religious. I’m guessing you’ve heard all of those things. Did you also know that he ranked fifth in the NFL in jersey sales last season? The top five: 1) Troy Polamalu (Super Bowl winner); 2) Aaron Rodgers (Super Bowl winner); 3) Drew Brees (Super Bowl winner); 4) Peyton Manning (Super Bowl winner); 5) Tebow (9 games, 3 starts, five touchdowns, three interceptions, one fumble, six sacks).
Tebow is a project. He was a great college quarterback who projected as a mid-round pick for a team to take a flier on. McDaniels was a young, cocky coach with an offensive background and his ego convinced him that he could turn Tebow into something great. It was a bad decision. Now Tebow is stuck on a bad team with Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton to learn from. Good luck with that. If anything, there’s less of a chance of Tebow developing now than there was before.
♦ Newton: He has NFL-caliber talent. He has size, speed, strength. He enables a coach to expand the playbook because of his speed. The one trait he and Tebow shared in college is they both knew how to come through in big moments and win big games. The difference is that Newton progressed at a ridiculous rate from the start of last season with Auburn to the end. Tebow, not so much. Newton went from off the NFL radar to projected first-rounder. Tebow remained a source for debate.
Nobody ever has faced the scrutiny and pressure Newton did last season leading up to big games. He succeeded anyway. Whether you believe he is guilty or innocent of shenanigans surrounding his recruiting process, his resolve and resilience are undeniable.
Are there red flags with Newton? Absolutely. NFL teams don’t quickly dismiss potential character flaws before drafts, especially when considering taking the player in the first round. But it’s hard for me to look at what he did in one season at Auburn and project that he is going to faceplant as a pro.
Those are my thoughts. Now, I welcome yours.
NFL draft coverage: I’ll be blogging at least two more times today on the draft. The next post likely will be an early Falcons’ draft column, to be updated later tonight.
By Jeff Schultz
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271 comments Add your comment
Gary
April 28th, 2011
1:15 pm
A typical offensive play book is 1000 pages. Newton has yet to read a thousand pages of anything. His only reading is news articles about him. So Newton, Since you will probably read this I will use small words. We and I mean most everyone would love to see you fail. You are what is worng with college football. You will not be missed on my Saturdays in the fall, I have better things to do on Sunday than watch the NFL.
DC
April 28th, 2011
1:17 pm
Gary,
that “analysis” is laughable…how was Aaron rogers scrambling ability work out against the falcons?…How is he lazy?..prove over these past 2 years that your statement is true. Not a leader? Prove over this past season that that isn’t the case. Not that bright?..Well…yes book smarts he is dumber than a bag of rocks..football smarts? He knows whats going on…inexperienced?..well depends on what you are talking about..is he inexperienced taking snaps under center?..yeah…but thats why you practice.
Crapshoot
April 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
Gary,
Would you care to share some anecdotes to support your statement that Newton is lazy and not a leader- or is that just your opinion?
If you can share some excerpts from coaches and teammates stating that he is lazy and not a leader, then maybe I can agree with your statement. Until then, you appear to be the one who is not that bright.
Sweet Old Buck
April 28th, 2011
1:31 pm
This is so much what bulls spread around in pastures
TommyP
April 28th, 2011
1:33 pm
Throw out all the off the field issues that Cam has….and there are tons dating back to all that he did at Florida.
How can anyone think that he’ll be able to read NFL defenses when he had one read for every play he ran in college? The show with Gruden shows how little he knows.
He couldn’t name one play with any type of verbiage at Auburn.
He said he refused to down the ball in the championship despite that being the coach’s call.
He diagrams a play and made a big deal of looking the safety over before hitting his WR.
I just don’t see how anyone can expect him to be successful in the NFL when he shows nothing mentally.
DC
April 28th, 2011
1:39 pm
He couldn’t call a play like gruden wanted b/c AU scheme goes off numbers and other little things…
He didn’t down the ball in the championship game…if you notice the front 3 linemen were fighting for that half an inch…they knew what was going on…big deal..AU WON!
He made a big deal of looking at the safety b/c he was baiting the safety with the run so he could hit his TE for the touchdown…safety doesn’t see TE running…wake up.
a47 you hit the nail on the head....
April 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
Newton = JaMarcus Russell 2.0
Incredible size, speed, and athleticism, but no QB instincts.
also not sure on jamarcus but cam newton has zero character when you look at his full body of work.
a thief an a cheater at Florida
a liar and a prima donna at auburn
there is NO doubt in my mind that he knew what his father was doing. no doubt.
if hard work can get results in the nfl than look for tim tebow to have a long career. didn’t they say the same things about tebow that they did about the hansbrough of unc? a marginal bb talent who would be a bench player in the nba? dont look now but you cant teach character, heart and work ethnic.
Larry
April 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
Tommy and Gary…I like the way y’all think.
Who is the guy that is saying that all of us Cam doubters are choosing based on color?
It has nothing to do with color…Cam could be green and i still wouldn’t like him. If Tebow was as cocky as Cam and had a similar rap-sheet…I would be hoping for him to fail too!
I also like the fact that there are people on here questioning the Cam doubter’s character for doubting Cam.
I believe that you should be rewarded for abiding by the rules. People who don’t abide the rules should be punished. That is a pretty simple notion…I guess that is such an antiquated way to live that in today’s society–I have no character.
So to recap: Because I think that Cam didn’t follow the rules and should not be rewarded, as he surely will be; I not only lack character but I am a racist too.
That is some super blog logic there. Keep up the good work idiots!
BartenderBart
April 28th, 2011
1:50 pm
Facts – April 28th, 2011 – 12:20 pm
“Dude couldn’t even call a play.” – Not true. He called 36, which a play at Auburn. What he could not do is call a play using NFL terminology.
____
Exactly! There is a big difference between calling “36!” and calling “Slot Right Z-waggle X-cross Zoom on Two!” (I just made that up, but you get the idea.)
I doubt very seriously that an NFL offense will willingly dumb itself down for Cam Newton.
Larry
April 28th, 2011
1:50 pm
Gary and Tommy I like the way y’all think.
Larry
April 28th, 2011
1:51 pm
Schultz…don’t block me bro.
David
April 28th, 2011
1:54 pm
I won’t say that Tim Tebow will be a great NFL QB. What I will say is without any doubt he will be a BETTER NFL starting QB than Cam Newton. Here’s why. Tim Tebow is a student of the game. He played at a big time program for 4 years, he has football smarts and is willing to put in the time and effort needed to make his game better. Cam Newton has 1 season as a starter in a major college program. He is gifted and talented. He has all the measureables you would want from a franchise QB, the problem is he knows he is good. He knows he is talented, and he takes that for granted. He is not a student of the game, he is too good for that. He doesn’t work to improve his game, he as too much natural ability. There are no sure things in the NFL however if you look at the percentages, Show me a QB with a ton of talent, but no a student of the game and I will show you a failure (Ryan Leaf, A. Smith, J. Russell). Show me a QB who doesn’t have the ideal skill set, but is a student of the game and you can find some stars in the mix (Tom Brady, Matt Hasselback, Kurt Warner)
godoggo
April 28th, 2011
1:56 pm
You have to do more than Smile, and show that you’ve worked with a voice Coach, PR executive, and Speech pathologist to make it in the NFL…..let alone the Hall of Fame. I’ve been fortunate to spend some long quality time with many of the greatest……Earl Morrell (5 SB rings), Shula, Nitschke, Otto Graham, E. Dickerson, Emmit Smith (i sat next too daily while at UF), and Blanda to name a few…….I will Judge both Cam and Tebow as i hope most will, with their on-the-field success…….and their personal success. These men mentioned above defined character and success…not based on just wealth !
As someone who has spoken with many AU booster……there remains great concern that when the FEDS took over Colonial Bank and were given access to alllllll the accounts…….that many accounts have yet to be filtered out and the paper trail defined……remember, follow the money ! (And remember the “Hot” computer Cammy tossed out the window of his dorm-room when the cops knocked on his door ?
We know the character of Tebow…….and given time, how great he is…..Cam has an long uphill battle already in the character issue……gleaming teeth only go so far.
Will Cam be able to stay away from his hommies, and hangers-on that breed nothing but Trouble 99% of the time ? Vick, Packman, etc…….
Holler if ya hear me ?
Breaking News |Breaking News
April 28th, 2011
1:58 pm
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PiersonBrave
April 28th, 2011
1:58 pm
Sure Newton has character, it’s just all BAD.
how2fish
April 28th, 2011
2:09 pm
Jeff you could very well be right, but I hope your not…
godoggo
April 28th, 2011
2:17 pm
honest_abe : Great honest comments, im a Gator, but a closet Dog fan….even had my pic taken with Uga, and the Gov at the same time.
vc : Yes, that was a scary interview with Gruden !!! Can you imagine the look on his face if he was ever handed the Colts playbook (5″ thick) ? His teeth would fall out ! How bout Oakland for Cam ?
hirsutedawg: Mega Ditto ! Evidently he didn’t have to sit in the EndZone in Jax or the Swamp and watch both of those men LEAP 8.5ft in the air Over the line, Into the EndZone as out JAWS dropped open……i did !
secondguesser: I could live with that…..to an extent.
95 more touchdowns means a lot :
6′ 3″ 245 lb. Tim Tebow had 9,286 yards passing, 2,957 yards rushing and 145 touchdowns at Florida.
6′ 5″ 248 lb. Cam Newton had 2,854 yards passing, 1,473 yards rushing and 50 touchdowns at Auburn.
Can we all get an Amen ? That says it all Brother : )
localfan
April 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
some people are not paying attention. i also watched gruden’s show and cam did diagram a play out of a doubles formation, even talking about the single high safety. he does however need to need to learn to read and interpret nfl verbiage
NFL draft: Playoff loss hangover driving Dimitroff, Falcons | Jeff Schultz
April 28th, 2011
2:28 pm
[...] – NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t [...]
RxDawg
April 28th, 2011
2:51 pm
Jeff, you’ve completely left out a few aspects. I’ve got 3 things to point out:
1. Work Ethic
2. Discipline
3. Heart
Facts
April 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
“There is a big difference between calling “36!” and calling “Slot Right Z-waggle X-cross Zoom on Two!” (I just made that up, but you get the idea.)” – No the big difference is no college team use NFL terminology to call plays. And how do you know that “36″ play at Auburn and your made up terminology aren’t the same play? By the way, all NFL terminology is made up. The reason Gruden can rattle off a play is because he made up the terminology. Ask Gruden to rattle off a play from the Patriots playbook and he will respond the same as Cam did.
“the problem is he knows he is good.” – Name one qb in the NFL or college that doesn’t know they are good? You make no sense.
showtime
April 28th, 2011
3:15 pm
Hey, Jimmy T., catch any games last season? Comment “if he can pick up the yardage he did in college . . . ” Uh, check out the scores in the red zone– the goal line runs, the roll pass, and the qb draw (longest in Bronco history) up the middle. Why is it that the detractors seem to forget that Tebow did a d**n good job coming in as a rookie, late in the season, and even bringing back the team from a large deficit to a win. Tebow has something that Newton doesn’t have–he’s already proven that he can play qb in the NFL.
BartenderBart
April 28th, 2011
3:36 pm
Facts @ 3:10 -
It doesn’t matter if my made-up play and “36″ are the same. Gruden asked him to call out one play from Auburn that was “a little verbal.” He didn’t ask for a diagram, he just wanted to hear a play. Newton stammered for a moment and said “You’re putting me on the spot.” I just figure at some point a linebacker or a safety will “put him on the spot” as well.
Newton said in his QB Camp segment with Gruden that “…our method is ‘simplistic equals fast.’ It’s so simple as far as, you look to the sideline [and] you see 36 on the board. And that’s a play. And we’re off.” Okay, so the play is “36,” but what if the defense is hiding it’s coverage? What if they’re showing drop-back zone and then a safety and linebacker blitz? Nothing Newton said gave me any reason to think he’ll be able to handle situations like that. Very few teams in the NFL run a no-huddle with continued high levels of success. There were a few times last year whent he Falcons pulled it off, and the Colts are just plain good at it. But a rookie QB, poised to be the face of a franchise, has got to be quicker on his feet, physically and mentally.
Larry
April 28th, 2011
3:55 pm
Exactly Bartender…I’ll bet Aaron Murray would do a better job at the whiteboard than Cam did. The UGA offense is based on reading the defense and checking into the right play (granted all the DC’s in the SEC know our check downs–so it is unsuccessful most of the time). Reading defenses is a good skill to have!
Auburn’s plays are locked in on their board regardless of the defense, then Cam got to choose what to do by reading probably one LB’s movement after the snap. (Not saying they didn’t work)
Both Cam and Aaron have 1 year of SEC experience…which do you think is better prepared to take in a pro-style offense?
Cam has a steep hill to climb in my mind.
DC
April 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Bartender,
You do understand that there are multiple plays within that number…
A lot of stuff was set up with motion where cam read the defense and made the decision on what to do. If they collapse on him he does “A”, They bite on McCaleb he does “B”, He fakes the run he does “C” etc etc…don’t get confused just b/c he ran a lot..watch the UGA game again…you’ll see him toying with Ogletree out there.
SSIgator
April 28th, 2011
4:08 pm
Jeff Schultz -
John Elway does not seem to share your opinion on Tim
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6442597
gdawginkalamazoo
April 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
At least Justin Houston will be a “high” draft pick.
Tebow can learn what not to do from Orton and Quinn. All Cam will have is Jimmy Clausen to look at.
Nick
April 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
This article is just another cheap attempt for a writer to get some traffic. Tebow has nothing to do with Cam Newton and Cam Newton has nothing to do with Tebow. The only reason we are talking about them is if you wrote an article on how successful you thought Cam would be nobody would read the article. But instead you lampoon Tebow to draw a crowd. Wow haven’t seen that one before.
Tebow will raise and fall based on what he does on the field and so will Cam. Just another junk article for some ratings, you should have poll of how many people came to this article because you had Tebow in the headline?
If you want to make a true comparison between a current NFL quarterback and Cam it would Vince Young. Same skill sets, same character issues, same possible draft selection and everything. Can Cam be what everyone thought Vince would be? School is still out on that. But Tebow is a different player entirely and that will be shown as the years go forward whether good or bad.
Facts
April 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
“Nothing Newton said gave me any reason to think he’ll be able to handle situations like that.” – Nothing he said but what about what he did which was go undefeated in the SEC and win a national championship. I’m quite sure he faced a number of defensive that hide their coverage and he only threw 7 INT against 30 TDS. So, how does your statement stack up against reality?
Urban Myer
April 28th, 2011
5:19 pm
I coached both players. There both very talented young men with great work ethics and god given ability. They will both be top star quarterbacks in the NFL and will change how the quarterback is perceived.
QB Newton widely expected to be top pick in NFL Draft – Reuters | Get News and Book
April 28th, 2011
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April 28th, 2011
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[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)The Carolina Panthers should take AJ Green over Cam Newton in the 2011 NFL …Yahoo! SportsInstead of Newton, Carolina needs to consider drafting AJ Green, who posted 23 touchdowns and 2619 receiving yards in his career at Georgia. With only one year under his belt, Jimmy Clausen(notes) has quite a bit of room for improvement. …Debating AJ Green vs. Marcell DareusESPN (blog)NFL Draft 2011: Cam Newton, A.J. Green, Marcell Dareus, Who Is the No. 1 Pick?Bleacher ReportGeorgia WR better choice than NewtonColumbia Daily TribuneCat Scratch Reader -Gang Green Nation (blog) -Cincinnati.com (blog)all 1,508 news articles » [...]
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April 28th, 2011
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Bob
April 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
Cam Newton lead his team through an undefeated season in the SEC. For me to say
He will be a great QB in the nfl might be wrong. But for you guys to make
Comments like he’s stupid or can’t read an offence, you must be fans of the
Wac or pac 10.
nic
April 28th, 2011
6:41 pm
“His interview with John Gruden indicated that Auburn kept it simple for him and his athletic ability was able to shine in college.He couldn’t give Gruden any examples of plays they ran at Auburn.”
We must have watched different interviews, then. In the Gruden segment I watched, Cam mocked up some incredibly intricate plays on the board that required about 4 or 5 reads against very elaborate zone schemes. Gruden asked Cam about an example of calling a play in a huddle, which Cam couldn’t answer — as Auburn ran no huddle all last year. Think you’re confusing things. Newton showed a very high football IQ in the segment I watched — I was actually impressed.
KR
April 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
I’m just impressed at how many of you can offer definitive statements on either player’s ability, intelligence, work ethic and character based solely on what you saw on television or what you read online.
Some of you truly embody the old idea of “don’t bother me with facts, my mind is made up.”
Personally, I’ll wait until their respective careers have come to an end and reflect on what each has or has not accomplished.
Bob
April 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
Well put KR
Bob
April 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
Offense. Ha
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Steve
April 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
Jeff,
Right on. Surprised Tebow even got drafted, he’s a joke. Needs to be moved to tight end or fullback.
Newton is a star, king of poise, just wins.
King Gator
April 28th, 2011
9:01 pm
Tebow a joke? that’s harsh.. We’ll see how many games either of them win on these 2 horrible teams. Go Gators!
Clay
April 28th, 2011
9:37 pm
If you are going to include the fumble and 6 sacks Tebow suffered in 2010, you should also mention the 6 rushing touchdowns (in addition to the 5 passing tds). I agree that Tebow has the odds stacked against his becoming a great QB (as do all young QBs in the NFL have the odds stacked against them). However, omitting this stat undercuts his performance from last year, which was a decent performance for a rookie based on tangible stats alone. It indicates some concerning weaknesses too, but I think that it deserves him a chance the starting role this year.
Kyle
April 28th, 2011
10:30 pm
I’d like ask this guy questions about my future from his crystal ball. It’s the NFL. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. Although, I would not underestimate Tebow.
RollTide
April 28th, 2011
10:31 pm
Newton does not have the brains to make it in the next level as a QB! Peyton Manning is not the fastest or the biggest but he is very very smart and works very hard off the field to prepare for the game mentally! I don’t see Newton having the work or mental abilities. Yet, you never know that is what makes it fun to watch!
Jim
April 28th, 2011
11:29 pm
Newton reminds me of Ben Roth at Pitt. Lot of off the field issues, but is tough to sack, improvises well, plays big under intense pressure, in other words, everything Aaron Murray isn’t
Tebow? Uh, reminds you of a baseball pitcher with his ankle pass delivery. Won’t ever be a star performer in the NFL.
godoggo
April 28th, 2011
11:47 pm
I hope you gentleman remember the big difference between the NFL and NCAA ? That is the pain that will be gladly applied to him in the NFL……if you’ve never experienced what it’s like to have a very large man paid millions of dollars a year……that just so happens to be 6′ 6″, weighs 300+ pounds, benches well over 400, can crush unopened Gatorade 64oz. bottles in his biceps……….and just happens to be running AT you, instead of AWAY from you….it is daunting ? Remember, when you have a bad dream and you wake up sweating ? I can assure you……he will have a big target on the front and back of his jersey…….
Does anybody ever remember if Tebow was up for running with the ball much ?
lololol
April 29th, 2011
1:55 am
“Now Tebow is stuck on a bad team with Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton to learn from. Good luck with that. If anything, there’s less of a chance of Tebow developing now than there was before.”
So… When John Elway, who has taken a huge active role in the Broncos organization, gives him advice on how to play quarterback, that doesn’t mean anything right?
Plus Jeff, you also neglected to mention that Tebow rushed an average of 5 yards per carry AS A QB, as well as 8 yards per attempt when passing. Sure he had a 50% completion rate, but then again, he IS just a rookie. Is he going to be the best NFL QB to grace the field in all of history? Can’t say for sure. Is he going to produce absolutely nothing and be the worst? No way.
Because unlike Cam Newton and his fake smile, Tebow has a genuine passion for the game and strives to play his heart out. Cam Newton may be able to run and pass, but he’ll end up as one of those cry baby wusses just like Jay Cutler, caring more about what’s off the field rather than what’s on it. Newton has always been in it for the glory and money, that’s why he took the easy way out and dropped out of Florida instead of proving his worth. Oh, and I believe he also dropped out because he got caught cheating three separate times at the University? Pitiful. Then he had the audacity to sign on to Auburn by taking a bribe. Sure he’s an athlete, but he’s a joke and a disgrace to professionalism in sports.
Kris G
April 29th, 2011
6:00 am
Anyone who lists three random black quarterbacks and says Cam Newton is a combination of them is even lazier than he is biased. 1. Vince Young has had a decent career, but needs mental health care like Ron Artest. No sign of that with Cam Newton. 2. Jamarcus Russell was never athletic. 3. Quincy Carter… WTF? In what way, other than he was really good for one year? Those guys are not like each other, and none of them is remotely like Cam Newton. Newton shares much more in common with Tebow and Roethlisberger.
Kris G
April 29th, 2011
6:11 am
Godoggo – I’m black, and I don’t have a posse. We don’t all have posses. I’m not even a Cam Newton supporter… I’m not surprised at how much Atlantans love racial stereotyping, I just wish more people would call you out on it. And no, I don’t think Cam Newton has Tim Tebow’s character. But the other guy I compare him to… Ben Roethlisberger, young guy who’s already 2-1 in Super Bowls? Cam Newton has better character than that guy. Who, I might add, DOES have a posse.
Bill M
April 29th, 2011
7:05 am
Jeff Schultz is a special type of stupid