NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won't

Eli

April 28th, 2011
8:46 am

Who cares who’s first?

Love Mark Richt-Hate Coach Richt

April 28th, 2011
8:48 am

Tebow – no. Newton – maybe at best

secondguesser

April 28th, 2011
8:51 am

Right, and that’s why Cam was able to win the starting job from him in Gainesville. Spoken like a bitter dawg.

a47

April 28th, 2011
8:53 am

Newton = JaMarcus Russell 2.0

Incredible size, speed, and athleticism, but no QB instincts.

hirsutedawg

April 28th, 2011
8:56 am

Scam Newton and his punk a$$ teammate Dick Fairley will be the biggest busts in the draft……Mark it down.

JimmyT

April 28th, 2011
8:56 am

Really like Tebow, and would love to see him succeed, but just don’t see that. If he can’t pick up those short yards running in the pros as he did in college I don’t see him beating you throwing the ball regularly. I don’t see Cam as another Akili Smith or JaMarcus Russell. As long as he doesn’t rely solely on his physical talents, as long as he’s coachable, and works hard in the film room, he should do well in the NFL. Just hate the thoughts of seeing him so often if the Carolina Kitties take him.

GTT

April 28th, 2011
8:58 am

I think Newton can be a star and that Tebow could be an unspectacular starter. They both have “it.” It’s just Newton has more natural ability to go along with it.

Dr. Phil

April 28th, 2011
8:58 am

NFL teams consider character? If that were true, Rothelsburger and Vick would be in the WWF. Newton is probably the best football player I have seen, and that includes Herschel and Bo Jackson. His talent is still developing. I would not write Tebow off, but Newton is going to dazzle the NFL.

Matt

April 28th, 2011
9:05 am

How about neither will amount to much of anything. Especially cambo. That guy has bust written all over him.

vc

April 28th, 2011
9:06 am

I think Tebow will make it. He has the size, athletic ability, and mental ability to be coached into the position as long as Denver is willing to work with him to change college habits. Cam certainly has athletic ability but I don’t believe he has the mental ability to grasp a pro offense. 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. Big difference in the pros…..will whoever takes him be willing to teach him and have patience. Newton’s past also indicates an unwillingness to “wait”. Where will he take off to if his team doesn’t have the patience or if they set him up to fail by forcing him to play too soon? I’m not sure his passing ability is suited for the pros….alot of air with heaves that maybe an excellent receiver can cover up for him like they did in college. I hope he make it along with Tebow but I think Tebow has an edge that Newton doesn’t given all things being equal. If Tebow doesn’t he has another career ahead of him by having a college degree. Newton better save his money while he has it.

Ryan

April 28th, 2011
9:07 am

It is likely that niether will succeed, but I can promise you that Newton is too stupid to be a successful NFL QB. Tebow has an outside shot if he ends up in the right situation.

FAMILY

April 28th, 2011
9:09 am

Both he and Nick Fairley will be good to great NFL players and succeed in the league. Newton’s atheletic ability and quarterback skills are off the chart. Ideally I’d like to see him sit somehwere for a year (a la Aaron Rogers). Unfortunately, not going got happen.

juvenal

April 28th, 2011
9:10 am

scam can play several positions……

wolfman

April 28th, 2011
9:12 am

Tebow will be successful where it counts — life… Newton?? You have to be kidding. Character still counts.

Anonymous!

April 28th, 2011
9:14 am

I just don’t see it, Tebow and Cam’s physical skills seem about equal ( in my unqualified obvservations ) with maybe a slight edge to Cam, but Tebow has a huge edge in work ethic, character, and just about every other qualifier except maybe mechanics… and you talk about Tebow going to a bad team, if Cam goes 1 overall to Carolina who is he going to learn from, Jimmy Clausen? Matt Moore?

honest_abe

April 28th, 2011
9:15 am

i’m a dawg so i can’t stand tebow. but i respect that kids heart. he gives it more than 100% every time he gets on that field. and he easily won the respect of the locker room coming down the stretch of last season. he’s a gamer so i wouldn’t write him off so easily.

cam is disingenuous. how in the world do i know that? listen to one of his interviews if that isn’t the biggest bunch of bs. he does have a fake smile. he played in even more of a gimmick offense than tebow. tebow had the luxury of playing behind orton who was having a great year and he was picked in the latter part of the first round. newton will have to start and as the #1 overall pick he comes with too much baggage. the bust factor on this kid is too high for me.

G4tor

April 28th, 2011
9:16 am

Both have great potential to succeed in the NFL. I may be a bit partial to Tebow b/c I’m a Gator fan, but how is it he has less of a chance even with more collegiate experience? Newton played for 1 year, and was great at that, but your logic doesn’t prove much of anything. If given the chance and if circumstances are right, both will do great.

BigTimeTECHFan

April 28th, 2011
9:16 am

Are you saying Tebow doesn’t have size, speed, strength, you need to go watch tape of Tebow again. I remember the pregame show before one of Tebow’s bowl games how they were talking about how inaccurate his throws were, then he goes out and completes like 17 or 19 passes in the 1st half.

If I were starting a collage team I would take Tebow or Vince Young before Cam Newton, but in the end I think they are all very good.

Supes

April 28th, 2011
9:19 am

Tebow can have a serviceable NFL career in the right “offense”. The way things are in Denver right now…he’s set up to fail long term…maybe he can get out of there.

Newton don’t kid yourself is JUST as much as a PROJECT as Tebow is…he has greater upside is all.

Good luck to any team that is going to be taking Newton in the draft…you’re gonna need it.

Jason

April 28th, 2011
9:20 am

I find it interesting that nobody is making a big deal about how Cam has been taking the vast majority of his snaps from shotgun and that he rarely has to read the defense. No, those things aren’t his fault, but those are issues that he’ll have to overcome just like Tebow.

Also, who is Cam Newton going to learn from on the Panthers team? Jimmy Clausen? Or if the Bills take him, is Ryan Fitzpatrick really going to be able to give him good guidance. The fact is that Cam will also be on a bad team. These teams are missing much more than just a quarterback, so I don’t see how Cam’s situation is any different than Tebows. All this article really states is that Schultz believes that Tebow is a little more athletic than Tebow.

Other than the fact that Schultz believes that Cam is a little more athletic, I really don’t see any solid evidence for his argument that Cam will be better. So what if Cam had a great year. That year may have been significantly different if it weren’t for a senior offensive line. How does the fact that Cam came from nowhere to 1st rounder in a single year mean anything? If Auburn had been any good in the years prior, he wouldn’t have been coming from nowhere. Tebow was a big deal from the start because he played his freshmen year on a team competing for the National Championship, so I hardly see how that is a strike against him.

I’ve never been a Tebow or Cam fan (I’m a Georgia Tech grad), but I just don’t really see any solid evidence to back up Schultz’s conclusion. This seems more like Schultz is sharing his gut feeling. It may be true, but personally if I was writing the big paychecks to one guy or the other, I’d feel a little more confident in Tebow’s work ethic than a guy that has suddenly become famous in a single year. I’d be real worried about what might happen to Cam’s work ethic once he gets his initial signing bonus. But then again, it wouldn’t be bad having that kind of money to blow if neither of them worked out…

BartenderBart

April 28th, 2011
9:21 am

After watching the Jon Gruden QB Camp stuff on TV, I’m completely against Cam Newton. He showed me absolutely nothing. Gruden asked him to call one paly and he couldn’t do that. He said they would show numbers on the sideline and the whole team knew what the play was. Then word comes out that they had to simplify the offensive scheme for Newton. If your first read isn’t there, pull it down and run. That might work for one quarter in the NFL.

By contrast, Ryan Mallet was shown one play on TV and asked by Grudne to tell him what was going on. Mallet stood up and diagramed the play on the whiteboard, detailing the routes each receiver would run, what options they had, who his reads were, the order of progression on the play, and more. If he could get his off-field issues settled, I have more confidence in Mallet being a long-term NFL QB than in Newton.

Bazooka Joe

April 28th, 2011
9:23 am

Tebow wont make it because he has crappy people to learn from in Denver. Scam will not make it because he is dumber than a bag of rocks.

S GA AU FAN

April 28th, 2011
9:24 am

Tebow never beat Auburn, don’t you haters wish you could say that!

hirsutedawg

April 28th, 2011
9:24 am

Dr. Phil put down the pipe and slowly step away. Better than Herschel and/or Bo? How much are you paying per oz. for that stuff you’re smoking?

Larry

April 28th, 2011
9:29 am

Tebow’s an honest man; Newton isn’t!

Who SHOULD you pull for?

dean

April 28th, 2011
9:30 am

If Tebow doesn’t succeed as a QUARTERBACK, if he would swallow his pride (isn’t Pride a sin?), he could succeed at a different position. Some things are obvious to the most casual observer.

Hike

April 28th, 2011
9:34 am

Tebow will succeed in the NFL because he has more “drive” than almost anyone else. I saw a clip of him chewing out a much larger Bronco teammate when he believed the player was slacking off. He has fire in his belly and if nothing else one day will make a super coach… and this is coming from a Dawg fan.
Can Newton learn an NFL playbook and make good decisions with the ball…super fast….that is the main question mark for me…

DawginLex

April 28th, 2011
9:34 am

I’m wondering about both of them enjoying any amount of success.

Both were spread QB’s in college trying to translate to pro style offenses.

leghumper killer

April 28th, 2011
9:35 am

Enter your comments here

DawginLex

April 28th, 2011
9:35 am

This next set of comments should be rich from “leghumper killer”………………..

Tim

April 28th, 2011
9:36 am

A man with character will beat a man without character every time. I’m a die-hard Dawg and I can’t wait to see Tebow prove you wrong.

leghumper killer

April 28th, 2011
9:37 am

in the words of charlie sheen, tebow is a winner winner winner. all you pups just cant get past the hate for the gators. cam will get into trouble.

RabidDawgFan

April 28th, 2011
9:39 am

You know what? I’m a Dawg fan, but I hate it when people disrespect Tebow. He was a freakin legend at the collegiate level and will forever will be remembered as one of the greatest college football players to ever grace a college football field. Cam Newton had one magical season, and they want to annoint him as a Hall of Famer?! I don’t buy that for one moment. All I know is that Tebow was and is a leader that didn’t have to get money to decide his college. He didn’t leave after his junior season because he has loyalty. He was at Florida from his freshman season till his senior season. Can Newton say the same? He’s been to 3 schools in 3 years. Not good. Tebow has 2 rings and a Heisman trophy along with many other accolades. I know Newton is a great player, but good grief give Tebow a break. I also remember a guy from LSU, who wore #2, and was expected to come in and light up the NFL. Hmmmm, what was his name? Darn it.

BartenderBart

April 28th, 2011
9:40 am

I really wish Tebow the best in the NFL. I was no fan of his during college, but I respected him, and that respect grew when I began to learn of his devotion to his faith. Of course, there will always be someone trying to tear him down, like Jeff Pearlman, who called Tebow’s evangelic belief “pretty evil.”

That said, I also told a friend once that Tebow would make a fantastic running back in the NFL.

secondguesser

April 28th, 2011
9:41 am

“I’ll take Cam’s arm over Tebow’s seven days a week.”

That statement pretty much sums up the difference in us and why I think your soooooooo wrong,Shultzie. I’ll take a hard working less talented guy(although that ain’t the case here) anytime over more talented lazy body any time. You show me a lazy man and I’ll show you a man that won’t get it done! Can’t deny what he did at Auburn but like you said,”We ain’t in Gainesville anymore. That applies to Mr. less-than seven-days a week also.

RabidDawgFan

April 28th, 2011
9:43 am

The offense that Newton ran at Auburn was simplified. He even said that himself. They held up numbers on the sidelines and he knew what the play was. WTF? Are you serious? In the NFL, you have actual plays. Not numbers. Newton will fail.

95 more touchdowns means a lot

April 28th, 2011
9:43 am

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.

Dawglasville

April 28th, 2011
9:45 am

I have doubts about both. I think the spread option offense, if I understand it right, is perfect for college. It seems easier to teach these kids how to read and react than it is to teach them a playbook the size of the yellow pages. It seems like those coaches would throw in a few wrinkles each week. With the speed of the NFL I don’t know if either of them will be able to have great success. I hope they both do well. I’m just glad UGA doesn’t have to face them anymore.

Trojan

April 28th, 2011
9:46 am

At least we now know that the NFL does not value character and integrity. Stolen PC’s, academic cheating, pay for play.

Paul H

April 28th, 2011
9:46 am

Newton won’t be another JM. See Jeff’s quote “his resolve and resilience are undeniable.” Jemarcus was big and fat and didn’t care. Newton will stay in shape and work hard to succeed. He is definitely not another JM.

Trojan

April 28th, 2011
9:48 am

Jeff: How would you defend Cam’s character? Either he has no character or he is really dumb, “I just let my Dad choose my college”

GT-Armchair QB

April 28th, 2011
9:48 am

Neither of them are as good as Reggie Ball was.

Dirty Dawg

April 28th, 2011
9:48 am

Newton may indeed become a successful NFL QB, but I question that it’ll be at Carolina. This ‘character’ thing and all the crap still hanging over his head is real and Jerry Richardson, Panthers owner, conservative businessman and former NFL receiver for the Colts, is, I believe too proud to risk having someone that could become the ‘Michael Vick’ Face of his franchise. I mean can you see him fawning over Newton the way Arthur Blank did Vick when he got hurt that year – pushing his damn wheelchair for God’s sake.

No, I believe that Richardson will have done his due diligence and decide that all that smoke says there’s still a fire smoldering out there and he doesn’t want to be the one holding the grenade when it goes off.

By the way, how much do you figure these kids were paid to go on Gruden’s show? Cause it couldn’t have been enough if it were my client. What’s the up-side? You know Gurden’s gonna find fault with something, so why do it unless there was a nice payday involved, and no way they could have paid enough to overcome the ridicule and questions raised…and not just for Newton.

DawginLex

April 28th, 2011
9:48 am

leghumper killer,

You dam idiot. Nobody said anything about hating him because he was a gator.

Did you take reading comprehension in school?

This is regarding their potential success in the NFL.

Just go back to sleep moron.

95 more touchdowns means a lot

April 28th, 2011
9:49 am

I’ll take Tim Tebow over Cam Newton 365 days a year.

El Bravo

April 28th, 2011
9:49 am

I actually think both will be successful to a degree. They will have solid careers with chances to win Superbowls. If anything, I think Tebow will have more success because of the team he plays for. The Broncos have a history of success and have a stable of play-makers on both sides of the ball. They just need a better D-line and with the second pick in the draft plus the return of Dumervil from injury they should be much improved on D.

Daste

April 28th, 2011
9:50 am

a47,

Can we stop the black QBs comparisons. Russell was not athletic, he was always fat and lazy. Cam has worked hard. He made mistakes and according to his JC coach, all he wanted to do when he got there was win. He worked hard. He didn’t even go out with his friends. He won a national championship and then he came to Auburn and won a national championship. If you want to compare size and speed then he is closer to Ben Roethlisberger. They are both big and athleticism. Like Ben, he’ll be able to shred defenders in order to make plays.

GoldJacket

April 28th, 2011
9:51 am

This is Vince Young all over again. Cam benefited from being a better athlete than 99% of the other players in college – much like Vince Young. The problem will be once he gets to the NFL, every LB, DB and most DEs run a 4.59 or faster. Accuracy and decision making is what he needs the most, and I think he has a lot to improve on. The NFL is giving him a lot more money than he got at Auburn… We’ll see if he still has the drive to keep improving

UGA--Armchair QB

April 28th, 2011
9:53 am

Neither of them are as good as Joe Cox was.

lanier

April 28th, 2011
9:53 am

Jell you created a firestorm here. Wonder why? Its because you are dead wrong about Tebow.

My dad said the scribes cried the same things about Johnny U from Louisville back in the day. and he was throwing the duke which was like throwing a basketball.

Cool your jets Bubba

Joey

April 28th, 2011
9:54 am

“Newton: He has NFL-caliber talent”
*******************************
He also has a prison-caliber penchant for lying, stealing, and cheating . . .

Hopeful

April 28th, 2011
9:55 am

agree with Supes, in that, 1.Tebow was able to control games and himself over a 4 year career where Cammy Cam needed three schools and the fog still has not lifted. 2.Agree that Cammy Cam had a terrific season and has potential significant physical upside but most do not have instant success in the NFL due to the mental requirements of the game. Even those with cannons like Stafford or work ethics like Tebow, you’ll need all that plus the brain of a Ryan. Not sure about Cammy Cam yet he’s only played one year in a very simple offense scheme.

Sam

April 28th, 2011
9:56 am

Cam is a used car salesman. He’s a combo of Jamarcus, V. Young, and Q. Carter… He wows coaches and analysts with physical tools but will ultimately disappoint them because of his 10 cent head, lack of morals, and emotional intelligence. If Carolina picks him, it will set them back a decade.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
9:59 am

Come on Jeff! A person can be a character with out truly having any. That is Cam Newton right there–all show.

If what you say is true and Cam Newton is successful in the NFL while Tebow is not–Karma is a lie.

I am hoping that the two scenarios are not mutually exclusive.

Tebow deserves success and will likely earn it. (Yes as a UGA fan my fingers sting typing that)

I have questions about Cam: Can he can lead? Will anyone follow? Will anyone on the Panthers be able to throw a laptop further than he can?

I hope Cam falls on his face–if only to prove to kids everywhere that without following the rules and working hard, success is impossible.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:00 am

Daste–also like Ben, Cam has a questionable set of morals.

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:01 am

I like the size and mobility from both of them. I like Newton’s passing ability a little more, but outside of wide open receivers I think they will both struggle having to throw the ball on timing or in tight windows.

Tebow had some limited success last year. Ultimately Cam Newton is a a more athletic version of Tebow but he lacks some of Tebow’s intangibles.

I think they will both have some success but won’t really acomplish anything unless they become proficient in the pocket. The size and resiliance though you can’t coach.

The problem of course is that Carolina hasn’t been able to get Steve Smith any help for years and years. Cam’s going to have to have someone to throw to.

Cam Newton / Father: Cam Newton has the fire to succeed in the NFL | Sporty Twits

April 28th, 2011
10:02 am

[...] (blog)Look for Cam Newton, Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus to go 1, 2, 3 in NFL draft …al.comAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -SB Nation -CBSSports.comall 1,947 news [...]

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:02 am

Hey Jeff…and whose fault is it that Cam only played in the SEC 1 year?

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:04 am

The leadership abilities of Newton are obvious. I know he can get people to trust him because he did. I’m just not sure he’s going to adjust quickly enough to the NFL game because he lacks experience and there’s not much help for him in Carolina.

DC Dirty Bird

April 28th, 2011
10:06 am

Its amazing how so many people believe that Cam Newton doesn’t have drive, isn’t a hard worker, and can’t read defenses. They said that Vick couldn’t read defenses too. They said that he’d never complete over 60% of his passes in a season. Guess what, if you have the physical tools to play this game, the heart to stay in the pocket, and put in the repetitions that the great ones do, you’ve got a great chance to be great. Here’s what people are missing, Cam Newton is 6-6, he can make all the throws, and he knows that once he stops being successful, no one will give him attention. Tebow has everything except for the fluidity normally seen in great QB’s. God may elevate him to greatness just to show us naysayers just how powerful he is, but looking at Tebow now, he doesn’t have the throwing motion, hip movement, or touch on his passes to be great.

JSS

April 28th, 2011
10:06 am

A blogger who has all the sensibilities of Heinrich Himmler talking about “morals” has to be a first! Who knew?

McDawg

April 28th, 2011
10:08 am

stop bullying tebowb/c of his homo-erotic tendencies

this blog could use al little sensitivity training

and i for one want more lesbian sportscasters on ESPN

Joey

April 28th, 2011
10:09 am

Who’s the Himmler on here?

Black Coffee & Bourbon

April 28th, 2011
10:10 am

Cam “I Can’t Name One Play” Newton is going to be a gigantic NFL bust. NFL playbooks are gigantic and even with a dumbed down version for his rookie year I expect Cam to struggle. But hey, at least he’ll have a fat bank account to buy all the choir robes his daddy needs…

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
10:10 am

This is the dumbest column I have ever read. I am a Georgia fan, but a big fan of Tebow and his work ethic. Tebow’s work ethic is miles and miles ahead of Newton’s lackadaisical approach to the game. Tebow is stronger, and a more fierce competitor. Once Newton gets nailed by Ray Lewis, he won’t seem as invincible as he did running into the likes of a 5′9, 190 pound cornerback. Tebow has actually started for a mediocre team and performed quiet well considering the fire he was thrown in. He has progressed beautifully, and will continue to work hard until the end of his career. There is no quit in Tim Tebow. Newton on the other hand has the mentality that everyone owes him something and he is the King. He won’t receive any respect from anyone until he earns it, which won’t happen, because I don’t believe he is mentally mature enough to handle the NFL and his own ego. There will be a target on his back that I don’t think he will ever shed with any kind of great performance. Yes, the guy is a physical freak being that big, weighing that much, and running that fast. But I’ve got news for you, EVERYONE in the NFL is big, fast, mean, and athletic. I project Newton as another Vince Young, and we see how well he turned out, considering his dominating Championship season at Texas. I’d be willing to put money on this.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:11 am

PMC–how are his leadership skills obvious!? He couldn’t call a play for Gruden. You think he would know if someone screwed up their assignment and correct them in the huddle? No way.

Cam is all about padding Cam’s stats. If someone at Auburn screwed up their assignment–no problem it is a few more yards for Cam!

You don’t earn respect in an NFL locker room by kissing your hands. I can’t wait until he tries to run over a NFL LB and just gets lit up.

I read that in Atlanta, they had to dumb down the playbook for Mike Vick. Well Cam is a bigger, slower, and dumber Mike Vick–so get ready for a 6 play offense Carolina fans!

Emmysmom

April 28th, 2011
10:11 am

95 more touchdowns means a lot–are you serious? Cam Newton had only one year at Auburn.

McDawg

April 28th, 2011
10:13 am

“progressed beautifully”

see what i am talking about? Schultz has been outed as an insensitive bully

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
10:13 am

I see the birthers have focused they attention on Auburn QB or Should have been UGAY TE Cam Newton now that our President has put the issue to rest. It crazy how so many people are cheering for Cam to fail…… what is wrong with you people???!!!!!!

Najeh Davenpoop

April 28th, 2011
10:14 am

Tebow is not that bad of an NFL quarterback. I agree Cam is a much better prospect, and Tebow probably doesn’t have NFL stardom in his future, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do what, say, Jake Plummer did in his career.

And anyway, as far as young QBs are concerned, the situation in which they land (whether the offense suits their skills, whether their coach believes in them, etc.) has so much more impact on their NFL success.

Pocaroba sausage

April 28th, 2011
10:15 am

I just don’t see how you could blame one rookie qb who didn’t even play much after one season with a bad team as a bust. Don’t most first year qb’s who even play alot have struggles. Denver didn’t stink last year becuase Tebow was on the team.

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
10:18 am

95 more touchdowns means a lot

April 28th, 2011
9:49 am

I’ll take Tim Tebow over Cam Newton 365 days a year.

Dude you have to be a freakin idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 years vs 1???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joey

April 28th, 2011
10:19 am

Right Najeh, or Trent Dilfer? He wasn’t a pretty passer, but he was a good enough game manager to get a Super Bowl ring.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:21 am

Emmysmom–he got 1 year at Auburn because:

A) He was a thief at Florida and has something like 15 run-ins with the law.
B) He chose to leave Florida a team, to which,he had “Committed.”
C) He chose to play at a Junior College rather than sitting out a year truly learning an offense.
D) He left Auburn early abandoning his “Family” (as they like to call it there).

Now that is Character right there!

DC Dirty Bird

April 28th, 2011
10:21 am

Contractor, what are your opinions based on. So Newton is going to get hit by a smaller man and develop the yips on the football field? Last I checked Ray Lewis isn’t 6-6 250+. You’re right, if Newton acts like a baby when he’s not everyone’s hero, he will be like Vince Young. Guess what though, Newton didn’t have the charmed life that Young had from HS through college. He went from being the next big thing at FL to Blinn College to constant scrutiny while at Auburn. You don’t think he wants to prove you wrong just as bad as you want him to fail?

Larry, did you watch football last season. Did you not see Mike Vick shred defenses with his arm? BTW, Gruden didn’t ask him to call a play, he said “call something that was wordy”. If Auburn didn’t have a wordy system then he can’t give Gruden a wordy play. The real tell would have been if Newton called out some simplistic play and considered it wordy.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:23 am

Atler…while it is not fair to compare 4 Tebow years to 1 Newton year. Cam’s own choices kept him from playing in the SEC longer than he did.

icallbs

April 28th, 2011
10:23 am

Success at QB in the NFL is the sum of a high work ethic + intelligence . Cam better have a REALLY strong work ethic.

Najeh Davenpoop

April 28th, 2011
10:23 am

About the spread offense thing, it’s not like that’s a death sentence for a QB prospect. It just means the learning curve is generally going to be steeper than the learning curve of someone like Matt Ryan who comes into the league with three years of experience running a pro style scheme. Sam Bradford ran a scheme that utilized a lot of spread concepts at Oklahoma and it didn’t stop him from having a successful rookie season. If I remember right, Ben Roethlisberger didn’t run a pro style
scheme at Miami of Ohio either. Again, it’s just about how much belief the coaches have in the player and how willing they are to tailor their offense to the quarterback’s skills… and of course how much work the player is willing to put in to learn the offense.

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
10:25 am

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:02 am

Hey Jeff…and whose fault is it that Cam only played in the SEC 1 year?

HUH????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:26 am

I didn’t say Vick wasn’t good–as a matter of fact he was stellar last year. I am glad too!

In Atlanta they dumbed down the playbook for him. Could have been due to a lack of intelligence or an unwillingness to prepare. Either way they dumbed it down for him.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:27 am

See 10:23 post:

Atler…while it is not fair to compare 4 Tebow years to 1 Newton year. Cam’s own choices kept him from playing in the SEC longer than he did.

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
10:28 am

DC Dirty Bird,

He did have the charmed life as you put it at Westlake. He was a highly recruited guy out of high school. Ray Lewis isn’t 6′6, but he is 6′2-250 with a mean and competitive streak that Newton has never faced before. He will yelp by getting hit by defenders smaller than him in the NFL because they are all better athletes and of his caliber, He has never really been hit, so it will definitely hurt. I wasn’t saying everyone in the league was 6′6, just meaning they are all big, strong, and fast. He went the route he went because of stupid mistakes that put him in those situations. It wasn’t like a hardship or injury put him there, but stupid decisions. He apparently hasn’t learned anything, because he is still the exact same egotistical guy he was before, that thinks he can’t be touched. Yes, he does want to prove us wrong, but he won’t.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:28 am

Cam had every opportunity to be the next Tim Tebow–same school same everything…except a different moral compass.

Cam Newton

April 28th, 2011
10:30 am

“I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon.”

Cam Newton

April 28th, 2011
10:31 am

“Not to sound arrogant, but what I did in one year, others couldn’t do in their entire collegiate careers.”

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
10:31 am

Larry it was the Coach’s choice to have Tebow start over Cam. That’s why Florida didn’t mind letting Cam go. Tebow was the next coming of Christ!!!!!! Why are some many people wanting a confident kid to fail???? Cam’s going to be a great QB because of his will to win and it’s going to eat you Cam haters up. Then you’ll keep talking about him mistakes in college 10 years from now. I hate when we Southerners do thinks like this. I guess we can blame Obama for winning the presidency and angering white America.

DC Dirty Bird

April 28th, 2011
10:31 am

Its always good to hear someone speak good football sense. Thank you Najeh.

Larry, Cam Newton left school early. He didn’t “get” 1-year. He could have come back for one more year at Auburn. Even though he was at FL for 2 seasons, he took a medical red-shirt his sophmore year.

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
10:35 am

Larry why do you HATE Cam so much????? Did he slap your mom or something????!!!!!!! Cam will succeed in the NFL.

Alphare

April 28th, 2011
10:38 am

Jeff, have you heard Tommy Tuberville is a birther?

No wonder he could win an NC in Auburn.

ugaclassof2004

April 28th, 2011
10:40 am

Honestly Jeff,

I think they’re both about the same. Both come from spread offense’s and both are projects. Newton is the better physical speciman while Tebow has more of the intangibles, neither of which should be underestimated.

Tebow did better than I thought he would last season, considering that I think owner Pat Bolen essentially brought him in to sell jersey’s. But I’m not sure if the Broncos are committed to keeping him now, especially with Elway on staff. I could see Tebow being kind of a journeyman/backup guy and giving a team some juice every once in a while, kind of like a Jeff Garcia. But in terms of being a franchise guy, I’m just not sure.

Cam Newton is a huge question mark. He is a freak athlete and guys like Vick and Vince Young, who were in the same boat, had a few decent seasons or two while also having a few horrible ones. It really depends on the organization, the supporting cast around him, and the creativity of the offensive coaching staff. Ron Rivera certainly isn’t an offensive coach and is unproven as a head coach. So I think he would be a bad pick for Carolina. But if teams are willing to take a risk on Tebow in the 1st round, they’ll do the same for Cam.

DC

April 28th, 2011
10:42 am

Why are you all saying Cam doesn’t have any work ethic?…seems he is in tip top shape if you ask me…seems the scouts love it too…

Cam knew he wasn’t going to be a full time starter at FL and he wasn’t mature enough to run the offense…he transfers..he wins title at JUCO..transfers to AU..wins NC & Heisman…

Bitter bitter fans from the SEC..

McDawg

April 28th, 2011
10:43 am

Cam Newton was the most dominate college football player EVER how that translates to the pros is anybody’s guess

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:45 am

Larry, because he won a national title at Auburn largely due to his abilities. No one from Auburn has said anything but great things about him. He won the job there and proceded to lead them through challenge after challenge.

Most importantly, he led his team back from a more than 20 pt deficit away in a game against his teams rivals. So clearly he can handle adversity.

Not Disappointed

April 28th, 2011
10:45 am

Hey, you made some good points. I like both quarterbacks but feel Cam is a natural. Time shall tell and good luck to both!

Hey Marcel

April 28th, 2011
10:46 am

Tebow doesn’t have that big question mark hanging over his head like Newton. Look at Reggie Bush, he hasn’t come near the impact player we thought he would be…………..because that lie is always in the back of your mind.

DC

April 28th, 2011
10:46 am

Also, I think its funny how some of you say that Cam didn’t have the respect in the locker room…seemed like they were “ALL IN” during the games…lets look back to the UGA game…lets look back to the bama game…*hand over mouth*

tim

April 28th, 2011
10:49 am

Reapectfully disagree. I agree that Newton is very gifted athletically, but although you mentioned there are red flags, you didn’t expound on them. I will. Perhaps the biggest red flag is his questionable work ethic. You simply cannot be a high first round pick and walk into an NFL locker room sporting a so-so work ethic. You are already somewhat resented by your new teammates because you are unproven and still making more money than they are. Add to that dynamic a questionable work ethic and you have JaMarcus Russell rd. 2. Tebow will eventually succeed if given the opportunity because his work ethic is unmatched. He has already earned the respect of skeptical teammates in Denver such as Brandon Lloyd.

Larry

April 28th, 2011
10:50 am

Atler…because he is a liar.

His father shopped him around and got paid. Even telling MSU “It’s Auburn–sorry the money is just too good.” Then escapes any sort of punishment saying “I did’t know daddy wanted money.”

It is good to see shady people rewarded in life with millions of dollars–isn’t it?

Actually starting today I am going to teach my kids that the rules just don’t apply to them and that as long as they do whatever they want, they will get rich.

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
10:51 am

McDawg,

Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf weren’t that bad either in college. Just depends on how they react with the big boys.

DC,

Bitter SEC fans? I actually rooted for Auburn to keep the SEC streak alive. I made the comment about his work ethic to the fact he won’t learn a playbook, and is leaning on just his size and talent alone. He will not progress because he doesn’t have the work ethic to want to learn. Like I said, he believes everyone owes him something. Every single professional writer and draft guru says there is a queasiness in all teams stomachs about taking him and a lot of risk and money involved, so there has to be something they see that makes them believe that, not just bitter fans from the SEC as you put it.

BartenderBart

April 28th, 2011
10:54 am

Cam Newton may be a “natural,” but I still have doubts about his intelligence. Knowing the Auburn had to simplify their offense for him, and knowing the he couldn’t call one play, just one play, when put on the spot by Jon Gruden, really worries me. In college you can get away with using a number for a play, or using Oregon’s system of posters with four pictures detailing what a play is. In the NFL, that will not fly.

root4au

April 28th, 2011
10:54 am

Who cares what Newton does in the pros. He is the best college football player I have ever seen. Not even close. He took a good AU team and made them great. He did this all in one year of playing major college ball. Come on UGA fans, it was time for AU to put a beat down on UGA. Suck it up and get over it..

Keith

April 28th, 2011
10:55 am

If you guys follow follow football year- in and year -out, you have to realize that Cam Newton is one of those athletes that don’t come along very often. He completely dominated college football even more than Tim Tebow did for one season. The Broncos will work with Tebow because the last coach was stupid enough to invest so much into Tebow. Tebow is a good person but Cam is better prepared to be successful pro. Cam Newton will be the first pick in tonight’s draft and he will be a very good professional QB, dominating after about 4 years. I predict a super bowl in his fifth year!!

npgator

April 28th, 2011
10:57 am

A negative Tebow story written by a Bulldog! Not that is something novel.

Joe Bob Thibodaux

April 28th, 2011
10:58 am

SEC has had some great QB’s the past few years. I don’t believe that Newtons’ moves will offer the protection in pro football it did at the college level. They know how to tackel at the next level.
A great college QB both Tebow and Newton. I wish them both the best.

DC

April 28th, 2011
10:58 am

Yes, he will have to learn the playbook..he had to do so in high school, college and now at the pros…I know I know…big difference…but he is gym rat and people always talk about how he was the first one in first one out deal..

I feel they are worried b/c of the baggage ie HIS FATHER and the mess that went on in college…but you can’t deny that alot of these people on here are upset and want him to fail..

Joey

April 28th, 2011
11:00 am

Haha!

A Super Bowl for Carolina?

That’s funny right there . . .

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
11:02 am

It is good to see shady people rewarded in life with millions of dollars–isn’t it?

Actually starting today I am going to teach my kids that the rules just don’t apply to them and that as long as they do whatever they want, they will get rich.

* Link
* Report this comment

@ Larry It’s actually the American way my friend. Capitalism at it’s best. There have been thousands and thousands of college athletes black and white that have taking pay out and parents have benefited also. So don’t sit here and try to make it seem like Cam and his father were the only ones that ever did it. Remember………. it’s the American way Larry.

Mash

April 28th, 2011
11:04 am

Lazy premise Schultz.

First, McDaniels firing from the Broncos had nothing to do with drafting Tebow, but for video-taping an opponents practice in London. That’s a no-no. But he is a well-respected QB coach who knows talent at the position. He drafted Tebow to be groomed under Orton and develop for a few years. It’s a model you might be familiar with – ever hear of Aaron Rodgers?

Typically, it takes a year for defenses in college to adjust to what a QB is doing. We have decades of evidence to suggest a pattern here. Then we judge a QB’s growth on how he handles those adjustments. We have no idea how well Newton has progressed because he was only at Auburn for that one year.

One thing’s for sure, the QB position is just as much a part of being a leader as it is talent. Tebow’s been in our lives for 5 years now and we’ve seen him lead by example and win at all levels. We don’t have enough to go on with Newton.

What we know about this draft is that talent scouts all agree that “there isn’t a top 20 caliber QB in this draft”; however, we also know there are a handful of QB needy teams that may reach and take QB before they should.

If you really want to put your money where mouth is Schultz, email me directly (you can get from the AJC blog enablers) and I’ll put down $5,000 a bet Tebow/Newton bet on who will be the more successful QB next year. Or any time frame you have in mind.

Dale in Newnan

April 28th, 2011
11:07 am

Three of the reasons that Michael Vick excelled last season were: A) He worked exceptionally hard on vindicating himself. B) Instead of running at the first option, he became a very quality drop-back passer for the first time who used his legs to compliment his QB play. C) Became very coachable, developed some needed leadership skills until finally becoming the QB we always hoped he would be.
TT needs at least another year or maybe two of intensive work before we know if he can play QB in the NFL. CN has definite questions concerning whether he can operate a pro-style offense; not to mention whether or not he can drop the diva that infest him, aka The Jeff George Gene. Spread Offense QB’s scare the complete hell out of me because the learning curve is so steep, and the window of oppurtunity for them to excel so short. Gimmicks just do not work in the pro game. The primary test for both is whether either can handle the adversity all QBs in the League routinely face. Running quarterbacks eventually have the slobber knocked out of them. MacNabb and Young got up and ran back to the huddle. Others shy away and get timid.

dougmo2

April 28th, 2011
11:07 am

If your teams locker room has Ipods and laptops stored in the players lockers, which player would rather have in the locker room with you?
A- Tebow, a person who has character measured in megatons.
B- Newton, a thief with zero character

Dekalb Football

April 28th, 2011
11:08 am

LOL some of you guys comments about Cam seem more personal than anything. The kid can play bottom line, who are you to say how he would do, did anyone of you play in the NFL? Im sure you didnt, you are just a fan who probably never played the sport, better yet the position. Its part of the job but this is what athletes have to put up with along with the wear and tear of the game. Both Cam and Tebow will do fine, if you like them support them if you dont keep your negative and dumb comments to yourself.

Breaking News |Breaking News

April 28th, 2011
11:11 am

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
11:11 am

DC,

I agree with you that there are folks that want him to fail, but I believe it is because of his attitude and his sense of entitlement. Americans love humble people that are doing great things, not stuck up ego maniacs that think they are owed the world. I can see where they are coming from, but I would rather him succeed than fail, have six kids he doesn’t pay child support on, and receiving checks from the government.

Dale in Newnan

April 28th, 2011
11:11 am

Keith you gotta be freaking kidding me!!!! Carolina is a football wasteland on both sides of the ball. The need TWO LINES, recievers, LB, secondary. If I am cam Newton I am worried about being the next David Carr roadkill.

ATLER ( ramblin wreck )

April 28th, 2011
11:13 am

dougmo2

April 28th, 2011
11:07 am

If your teams locker room has Ipods and laptops stored in the players lockers, which player would rather have in the locker room with you?
A- Tebow, a person who has character measured in megatons.
B- Newton, a thief with zero character

what about:
C- uga recruits

MDB

April 28th, 2011
11:14 am

Cam definitely is superior in talent to Tebow, just watch a few out routes and deep flag routes and you will see the zip and quick release is naturally better with Cam. If the question is, who has a better chance to succeed as a QB, I say Cam. But if it is who will be in the NFL 10 years from now, I say Tebow. Evenually he can become a serviceable TE or FB and make a career of it. I still am not sold on Cam being an NFL QB for the long haul and don’t know how he would take to a position shift. I am always skeptical of guys who have not had to do much “between the ears” in college from a playbook perspective and spread offenses seem iffy for producing legit QBs at the next level. Then again, I thought the same thing about Bradford and he proved me wrong, so what do I know???

secondguesser

April 28th, 2011
11:15 am

“95 More touchdowns — You do realize you’re comparing Tebow’s 4 year numbers to Newton’s one year numbers, don’t you?”

His numbers aren’t for one year Shultzie, as I said before he couldn’t beat out Timmy! He was on team. His numbers just weren’t any good!

Derek

April 28th, 2011
11:15 am

Cam Newton – Can anyone say DeMarcus Russell v2.0?

Gator Man

April 28th, 2011
11:16 am

When wil we have a conversation about any heisman comming out of loser ville UGA. I guess when your state college football sucks you have to find something.

Austin

April 28th, 2011
11:16 am

This column is an absolute joke. Do you think the Broncos wouldn’t have sucked had they NOT drafted Tebow? He played great at the end of the season when he got his shot. He may not be a future hall of famer, but he has the work ethic and character that Cam Newton can only dream about. Newton won’t be able to understand the offenses he’s running and won’t want to. He’s too cocky and too oblivious. How could he not understand how stupid he sounded when he bragged about how simple Auburn’s offense is? His athleticism will buy him a few cheap TD’s before he fails out miserably, Auburn is stripped of its national title and he goes to work without a college degree.

Cam Rules

April 28th, 2011
11:17 am

Cam’s going to be rolling in millions after this weekend with a huge signing bonus and guaranteed starting job. He’ll be a superstar. Tebow? Elway doesn’t like him and will trade him for a 2-3 round pick very soon. Tebow doesn’t have the arm to play in the nfl.

Jeffro

April 28th, 2011
11:18 am

I have never in my life seen such a high level of hatred for a college-aged kid in my life. Anonymous online posting where you bash someone is quite sad. There are sooooooo many haters out there it is ridiculous. Cam made so many fanbases mad because he torched EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! But it isnt like he is a bad person. The guy is a freak of nature, athletically speaking. He is fun to watch. Plain and simple…..so what is to REALLY hate? Cut the guy some slack. Its like a pack mentality in this article’s comments section. Perhaps some of you hate yourselves????….

Dale in Newnan

April 28th, 2011
11:20 am

The draft is a crap shoot. Nobody, especially these two, had the physical attributes coming out of the combine and college as Ryan Leaf and Jeff George.They had all the tools. So what happened? Joe Montana was to small and had a weak arm. Donovan MacNabb has heavily panned for being a first rounder by almost all of the experts and some other team’s GMs. So what happened? Personally I hated the Matt Ryan pick. So what happened?

TBone

April 28th, 2011
11:22 am

Cammy CamCam just does not strike one as a mental giant. Additionally, he will be playing against the real deal week in and week out so he won’t be super man. Maybe he really is a tight end?

beebee

April 28th, 2011
11:23 am

I don’t like this discussion.
It’s almost pointless.
last year’s draft was last year.
this year’s draft is this year.
if you all are this interested in the potential Carolina 1st pick, PLEASE
go to the Panther training camp so you can watch him up close and personal.
Same thing with Denver.
This discussion IS pointless!

Gator Man

April 28th, 2011
11:23 am

Shulz, : You should be saying how come Florida and Auburn coaches manage to send to greats to the NFL with NCAA Nat and loser Mark Richt can not mold and coach good talent.

GTBob

April 28th, 2011
11:24 am

Cam Newton has to be the riskiest number one pick in NFL history. He played in an obscure offense where usually he was running. He only threw 280 passes in college, as opposed to most QB’s throwing over 1000. He has shown accuracy issues at times. He has obvious character flaws. It just seems really dumb to make him a number one pick. I’m pretty surprised he will be in the top 10. Also, who is he going to learn from? Jimmy Clausen? How is that better then Tebow’s situation?

GaBlue

April 28th, 2011
11:29 am

Anything can happen, and the future is, as always, just speculation. But to the people who think Cam Newton’s smile is “fake,” seriously… that’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard. Just being in Auburn on game day makes everyone smile (at least before the game), and to be adored and cheered, and on top of that, being successful in what you set out to do, would make even the most bitter cynic smile from ear to ear. The phenomenal success of the young man’s season, his Heisman trophy, and his good looks on top of that would make it impossible not to flash the pearly whites. As David Letterman said, “If I looked like that guy, you could all just kiss my *bleep!” Haters are so boring.

Facts

April 28th, 2011
11:31 am

1. Blinn – One year learns the offense and wins a national title.

2. Auburn – One year learns the offense and wins a national title.

3. Not Accurate – Blinn: 336 ATT, 204 COMP, 5 INT, 22 TDS, 2833 TOT YARDS, 61% COMP
Auburn: 280 ATT, 185 COMP, 7 INT, 30 TDS, 2854 TOT YARDS, 66.1% COMP

4. Auburn had to simplify their offense for him – Not true!!! The Gruden segment only shows that Cam doesn’t know NFL terminology and sense NFL terminology varies with each team, no college qb or any other college player comes into the league knowing NFL terminology. How many expert on this blog know what a “flip right, double-X, Jet, 36 counter, naked waggle, X-7, X-quarter” is?

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
11:31 am

@GTBob

As a fellow Techster, I must say that reading your comment, you sound like a birther my friend.

Andy Harrison

April 28th, 2011
11:32 am

I’m a UGA and Bronco fan…while I in now way was happy about drafting Tebow, that had little to do with why McDaniels was fired. If anything, that was last on a very long list. But I agree, Tebow will not succeed and Newton is a maybe at best.

SE GA Dawg Fan

April 28th, 2011
11:32 am

Tebow will succeed in whatever he attempts because he is honest and hardworking, and his family is also. Newton paid for his success. And, who was the successful quarterback at Florida?

You'reAmoron

April 28th, 2011
11:34 am

@Gator Man, UGA has sent more players than UF and Auburn to the NFL in the past decade…that’s that UF education for ya

jp

April 28th, 2011
11:34 am

Tebow has played only his rookie season…give the guy a chance for Christ’s sake! The guy also has the heart of lion and the work ethic of a ox…which can easily make up for talent. Cam Newton played ONE season in the SEC; now he’s going to be an NFL sensation? I can garantee he will not have a rookie season as good as Matt Ryan. He will run the option like Mike Vick; hike, roll out, scan…..run! over and over WATCH!

Hey Marcel

April 28th, 2011
11:35 am

Joey

April 28th, 2011
11:00 am
Haha!

A Super Bowl for Carolina?

That’s funny right there . . .

*****************************************************
Don’t speak too soon Joey, ever heard of New Orleans…………?

Not a Hater

April 28th, 2011
11:35 am

Being a Packer fan, I am sure happy that we have our QB for the next decade. But gosh, I have never known for so many people to hope that someone does not succeed. If Cam is “dumb” because of the play-calling scheme at Auburn, then that logic suggests that everyone else on that offense was dumb as well.

Personally, I like to see young guns come into the league and perform well. I’m hoping that both Tebow and Cam are adequate QBs. But the way you guys are going after Cam is a bit creepy. You barely know the guy, but will be elated if he fails in the NFL.

1eyedJack

April 28th, 2011
11:39 am

Cam goes from stealing laptops to stealing #1 pick money, and he’ll wear his “fake smile” all the way to the bank.

Facts

April 28th, 2011
11:40 am

“He will run the option like Mike Vick; hike, roll out, scan…..run! over and over” – Just like Tebow did and most rookie qbs do.

Facts

April 28th, 2011
11:42 am

Most of the comments about Newton and Tebow are personal. I see where people keep mentioning character yet root for the failure of these two young men. Sad….

GTBob

April 28th, 2011
11:43 am

@ATLER, no im pretty well convinced that Cam Newton was born in the United States. I’m just not sure he is worth a number one pick in the NFL draft. Care to make an argument why i’m way off base or would you just like to call people names?

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
11:44 am

@ Not a Hater

I agree with you. I hate to say it, but many don’t want Cam to succeed because of his confidence and him being Black. Remember he’s still 100% American.

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
11:46 am

Oh gah, everyone was just waiting on someone to make a comment about him being hated on because of his skin color. Hell of an argument there ATLER (ramblin wreck).

Najeh Davenpoop

April 28th, 2011
11:47 am

Neither I nor anyone else here knows Cam well enough to assess his intelligence. But I think there is enough evidence to indicate that he is a hard worker. Not every NFL prospect voluntarily seeks out a QB guru to refine his mechanics before he gets drafted. Cam could have very easily spent the last few months reveling in the accolades and attention, but to me the fact that he recognized that he has to improve and sought out someone who could help him get better speaks volumes.

Go for 2

April 28th, 2011
11:49 am

Jeff:

Great analysis. So if you asked a scout what position partucularly requires size, speed, strength, how many would say “Oh the QB position requires those attributes the most.

My point? You don’t even mention Newton’s passing ability, adaptability to NFL offenses, ability to audible, read defenses….what kind of analysis is this? Nice in-depth research, really really insightful, Jeff.

GF2

GaBlue

April 28th, 2011
11:51 am

I have to chuckle at the self-righteous blowhards who are so certain they can predict a person’s entire lifetime of “ethics” based on some trouble he got into as a teenager. It’s not like he stalked and killed a family! Most people you know did some stupid crap at 18 or 19 that they wouldn’t want you to know about now. Not everyone comes from perfect parents, and taking responsibility for one’s life is learned behavior. Time will tell.

Contractor

April 28th, 2011
11:51 am

Najeh Davenpoop,

He could be as smart as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Warren Buffet, but if he makes decisions like he did to steal from other people like he did at Florida, or cheat like he did at Florida, then it really doesn’t matter how intelligent you are, it’s the decisions we make that make us successful.

Dawglasville

April 28th, 2011
11:56 am

White guys hating black guys. Black guys hating white guys. White guys defending white guys. Black guys defending black guys. Sooo many people riding for the brand. I’m sad to say that insecurity is truly color blind.

Walker, Texas Ranger

April 28th, 2011
11:56 am

Your half right

Crapshoot

April 28th, 2011
11:56 am

Out of the major U.S. sports, projecting success in the NFL is by far the hardest. I’m laughing at you guys thinking that the margin for success between Cam and Tebow lies with character (have you guys paid attention to the police blog since the Super Bowl).

I don’t know which of the two will be better, but here’s hoping that they both will.

Damon

April 28th, 2011
12:00 pm

Lets look at the facts here. In today’s NFL QB’s from any type of option offense fail miserably as NFL QB’s. Take a look at the last 10 Superbowl winners and look at the QB’s of the winning teams. All of them came from a more pro-style, passing offense and not an option offense.

Tebow and Newton both could make it or be a bust, just depends on how fast they can adapt to being more of a pocket passer and rollout passer than an option QB. They have to make the short, intermediate and long throws accurately and be able to stay in the pocket even when it starts getting tight and not running at the first sign of trouble. Tebow progressed in this a little last year but he has a long way to go.

WmG

April 28th, 2011
12:01 pm

Tebow seems genuine and was a top-flight college QB. Newton – yes, him too, and – in my book an even better college QB.

But neither one of them will be more than adequate. Newton has the best chance to prove me wrong. Mallett – character issues, slow feet, poor reads – will be a Hall of Fame QB. Someone will get a bargain drafting him.

Character Police

April 28th, 2011
12:02 pm

Funny how the same people who dislike Cam because of his “character issues” openly insult him and wish his failure in the NFL. It appears that many of you have the same “character issues.”

JSS

April 28th, 2011
12:07 pm

Billy Kilmer could lead, but eventually he’d always run into a team that could knock the “rah-rah” out of him… The same was true was true for Roman Grabiel and Joe Kapp. This is the thing about the NFL, I never assume who will fail. It is up to the player to get the job done.

Panthers fan

April 28th, 2011
12:12 pm

As a longtime Panthers fan, the fact that the Panthers are this interested in drafting him is a sign that he isn’t going to pan out. Character has very little to do with success in football, but even raw talent won’t help him succeed or progress with a Panthers team that has very few tools to help him.

Ryan

April 28th, 2011
12:12 pm

Schultz- Watch the Gruden QB camp with Cam. Dude couldn’t even call a play. Great talent and fun to watch. The league is big enough for both to succeed.

wxwax

April 28th, 2011
12:17 pm

The NFL isn’t MIT.

Michael Vick and Brett Favre proved that.

If Cam Newton works at it, he can be a success.

Dawglasville

April 28th, 2011
12:18 pm

JSS – It is up to the player to get the job done.

You’re right. To add to that football has more variables than all of the major sports. If a guy sucks, lovers are going to blame the line, receivers, schemes, coaching, fans. The haters are going to say, “See. I told you so.” Ultimately, most people won’t change their point of view on the guy no matter how it shakes out on the field.

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
12:18 pm

Birther is not name calling and people who they are. I’m going to call out the pink elephant in the room. College football recruiting is a business whether you like it or not people. Like I said earlier there’s been 1000s of college recruits who’s fathers got paid for their comments to a certain University, but we want to single out Cam???!!!!!!! Craig James is respected as an athlete and commentator. He took money to go to SMU, but we look pass that. Go figure huh???!!!!!!!! Contractor what world do you live in???? It’s not hunky dorry like you think my friend.

GTBob

April 28th, 2011
12:19 pm

Crapshoot, I think one of the biggest problems with predicting success in the NFL is the fact that the high picks are going to go to awful teams. Cam Newton is about to begin his career on the worst passing team in the NFL, with the worst pass rush defense, and in one of the stronger divisions in the NFL. It’s not exactly an easy thing to overcome. I’m not so sure that Jimmy Clausen is as bad as he has looked at Carolina. Cam will have his work cut out for him and he will be running an offense that he is not accustomed to.

Just Sayin'

April 28th, 2011
12:20 pm

Cam Newton is dumber than a bag of hammers. He will not be able to grasp the NFL game.

Howard

April 28th, 2011
12:20 pm

Mel Kiper said that Emmitt Smith would not make it in college because he was too slow. All the experts drooled over the way Jeff George could throw a football. These are just two of the many many examples of the experts getting it wrong. I think sometimes the experts look at how the players do on the tests (speed, etc) they are given and their size. I think they do this because they are too afraid to use their personal judgment and fail. The really good sports minds see all the intangibles and find the successful players. Time and time again we see this with organizations that make their personnel decisions on their own evaluation of the player. The Falcons are a good example of that now, but I would also point to New England. When I was a child growing up in Florida the Miami Dolphins were the same. Look back at the 1972 superbowl team and look player by player. they had a lot of players that were not rated very highly. So, as far as Tebow and Newton are concerned, I would not be surprised either way by either player. I will make my judgment after watching each of them actually play a significant number of pro games, not on the basis of their speed, size, strength, throwing motion, or intelligence.

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.

DC Dirty Bird

April 28th, 2011
12:21 pm

So lets get this straight, Brett Favre, he of pain killer addiction, alcoholism, and adultery is a Super Bowl winning highly revered quarterback. Cam Newton, because of his “character issues” will never amount to anything in the NFL. Ben Rothleisberger, the womanizing sexual assault artist, is a two time Super Bowl champ and considered a top tier QB in the NFL. However, because his dad wanted a cut of the money Auburn was going to make off of his son and because he bought a laptop he knew was stolen at the ripe age of 18, Cam Newton will never be successful in the NFL. Something doesn’t add up.

Tossed Salad

April 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

You forget one key factor, Shultz. Cam Newton is a bona fide idiot. He’s as dumb as a box of rocks. That translates to NFL success very rarely.

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April 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

[...] Newton Is Oddsmakers' Favorite as No. 1 NFL Draft PickBloombergmsnbc.com -SB Nation -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 1,659 news articles » [...]

Paul N Destin

April 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

Cam Newton will never be a starting QB in the NFL for more than three or four games.

JSS

April 28th, 2011
12:25 pm

For all of you holding up “character,” go ask Gary Kildall about how much “character” Bill Gates has… Then go ask Mrs. Warren Buffett about her husband’s “character.” And in closing, Steve Jobs sure had tons of “character” when he tore through Apple before being disposed the first time around. The Native American proverb is true: “All (men) have feet of clay!”

Jon

April 28th, 2011
12:29 pm

REALLY! – Who gives a rats arse?

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
12:29 pm

GT Bob,
“Cam will have his work cut out for him and he will be running an offense that he is not accustomed to.”

That’s 95% of all rookie QBs coming into the NFL my friend. The NFL 1000 time harder then college football. Payton Manning struggled his first year in the league also……….. so now what? Oh by the way Manning’s a great guy. I met him in Destin one year. Great guy to be around.

JSS

April 28th, 2011
12:34 pm

Tossed Salad
April 28th, 2011
12:22 pm
“He’s as dumb as a box of rocks.”

And what was Joe Namath’s, Don Meredith’s, and Brett Favre’s, and Terry Bradshaw’s calling to MENSA? It’s f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l! The ability to translate repetitive processes in an opportunistic pattern better than your opponent!

Crapshoot

April 28th, 2011
12:34 pm

GTBob,

I agree. In spite of a few exceptions, the vast majority of successful QBs sit for a year or two. Unfortunately, if Cam is drafted by the Panthers, he will be thrown in the fire too soon. I also think that Tebow could use a little more seasoning behind Kyle Orton before he is thrown back in the fire.

Truth

April 28th, 2011
12:36 pm

I hope the Panthers draft Cam Newton. It will make them irrelevant for 5+ years

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April 28th, 2011
12:37 pm

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ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
12:39 pm

Re-post:

So lets get this straight, Brett Favre, he of pain killer addiction, alcoholism, and adultery is a Super Bowl winning highly revered quarterback. Cam Newton, because of his “character issues” will never amount to anything in the NFL. Ben Rothleisberger, the womanizing sexual assault artist, is a two time Super Bowl champ and considered a top tier QB in the NFL. However, because his dad wanted a cut of the money Auburn was going to make off of his son and because he bought a laptop he knew was stolen at the ripe age of 18, Cam Newton will never be successful in the NFL. Something doesn’t add up.

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Al Gore's Message Therapist

April 28th, 2011
12:40 pm

Schultz -

Ummmm, Cam’s NFL success holds about as much interest to people of intelligence as the hair spray Donald Trump wears to do his comb over.

Old time Dog

April 28th, 2011
12:41 pm

NFL wants black QB’s to succeed. Newton will receive more time and patience than T

FaceTheNation

April 28th, 2011
12:41 pm

Jeff, they both will be successful in the NFL. TimT will succeed because he has skills and will be given every opportunity to improve his perceived flaws.
CNewton will succeed because he has all the tools needed to be an NFL QB. I hope Carolina will pass on CNewton. I am a Falcon fan and we already have to face DBrees and JFreeman twice each year. Carolina, please don’t take Cam.

Jeff, not Schultz

April 28th, 2011
12:48 pm

Schultz — your base comment is completely flawed. Consider what you said:

“Newton: He has NFL-caliber talent. He has size, speed, strength. He enables a coach to expand the playbook because of his speed.”

WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS!!! Ok, if he was just a linebacker who had to go blow up a ballcarrier, then size, speed, and strength would be fine. But he’s NOT. He’s supposed to be a leader and a decision maker. And Newton’s lack of intelligence will hurt him in this area.

How can a coach “expand the playbook” when Cam will struggle to just learn the BASIC playbook? This guy is not a rocket scientist. His college playbook was “Run play 36″ or “Cam off-tackle left” or “Cam off-tackle right.” He won’t be able to learn the verbiage and nuances of an NFL offense, not for another 5 years, anyway.

I have friends who work at Auburn…. they said Cam is a kid with an ego but that he’s not that bright. Neither are his parents. This is a kid who got into trouble at Florida, so his decision making is in question, and you can’t TELL me that all this smoke surrounding the “pay-for-play” scandal doesn’t have SOME merit.

Listen to the kid in interviews… he’s not that smart. Watch his interaction with Gruden on the ESPN special — he can’t recall a single play at Auburn. Now watch the great NFL quarterbacks like Manning, McNabb, Brady, Brees, Rodgers, Vick, Rivers, Ryan, etc., and you will see a VAST difference.

Mark it down: Cam Newton will NOT be an impact quarterback in the NFL for AT LEAST FIVE YEARS, if ever. He is another Ryan Leaf or JaMarcus Russell — a big, strong kid who can throw it a mile but can’t digest NFL offenses and defenses.

Carolina is making a mistake by picking Newton at No. 1, but it’s their future, so let ‘em do what they want.

Najeh Davenpoop

April 28th, 2011
12:49 pm

“And what was Joe Namath’s, Don Meredith’s, and Brett Favre’s, and Terry Bradshaw’s calling to MENSA? It’s f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l! The ability to translate repetitive processes in an opportunistic pattern better than your opponent!”

Haha. Real talk. The biggest myth in pro sports is that it takes some kind of extraordinary intelligence to play quarterback. And as long as ex-QBs like Ron Jaworski who have a vested interest in making their profession look difficult are the ones doing the analysis, the football-watching public will continue to be force-fed this myth.

Season Ticker Holder

April 28th, 2011
12:49 pm

Unlike Michael Vick, Cam Newton is willing to put in the practice and study to become a great QB. Cam has good work habits which will help him to excel in the NFL.

dawgfacedboy

April 28th, 2011
12:49 pm

Jeff- it doesn’t take a psychic to tell that Tebow won’t be much of a pro. That’s not necessarily a jab either. In our society we are never satisfied. It’s not enough that the kid was an amazing college football player. If he doesn’t succeed in the NFL most people will categorize him as a “flop” instead of an “amazing college football player”. It’s we haven’t learned that just because these guys were great in college it doesn’t mean that their game will translate to the next level.

Newton has a lot of work to do. He has more intangibles than Tebow but his game was largely based on his ability to run, thereby keeping the D honest at all times (just like Tebow). They both are going to have to prove they can throw without relying on running to be successful and I’m not sold that either can do that.

1eyedJack

April 28th, 2011
12:50 pm

If he goes to Carolina he will spend more time running for his life than running for yards. The NFL will render him one dimensional.

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
12:51 pm

I am too a Falcons fan and that Josh Freeman scares the hell out of me. He will be a bigger thorn then Brees. Don’t get me wrong Brees is an awesome QB, but Freeman’s size is scary.

Bob

April 28th, 2011
12:51 pm

You are an idiot Schultz!!!!!!!

PhilBee

April 28th, 2011
12:53 pm

Listen-They are both Winners. They both have an unbelievable desire to get the job done. Cam does not have much experience, but he has been a winner every step of the way. Who else could come in to a new team in JC and lead them to a national title- then the very next year, get bumped up to the big guys and win them a National Title???? He could go into several NFL teams, start this year and make them winners as well.

Matt

April 28th, 2011
12:54 pm

The point I would like to make is that the Panthers are a really bad team. They have waaaayyyy more problems than just at QB. Draft him #1 and surround him with absolutely no help on either side of the ball??? They need to get some supporting cast in there to help next year’s #1 pick (they will still suck enough to get that pick next year) Andrew Luck.

Zack

April 28th, 2011
12:55 pm

Neither one of them will be anything other that an average QB in the NFL.

dcb

April 28th, 2011
12:55 pm

I’m a character guy – especially if as most above say, Newton and Tebows physical skills are about equal. Frankly, I think they’ll both prove in the long run to be around for a while. But get Tebow on a team that plays a team concept – and not a team with a Michael Vick from Atlanta-days mantra – and I think Tebow could be a Staubach, or Marino, or Eli Manning. But in my book, Newton – he’s a loose cannon and loose cannons end up marginal winners if winners at all.

Ted M

April 28th, 2011
12:56 pm

JaMarcus Russell is obese and grotesquely out of football shape. There is no comparison between him and Newton.

Zack

April 28th, 2011
12:57 pm

What will set them apart in the NFL is that one will be in trouble with either the law or the NFL and the other will not. Who do you think will????

ATLER (ramblin wreck)

April 28th, 2011
1:02 pm

Dumb statement Zack. What’s your purpose on here anyway???!!!!!……………..

Marc

April 28th, 2011
1:03 pm

I think John Elway is the perfect person to determine the potential of Tebow. He had many doubters before he started, and throughout his NFL career. I will respect his decisions but I do love the fire Tebow has returned to my Broncos.

Gary

April 28th, 2011
1:08 pm

Newton is self centered, lazy, not a leader, not that bright, inexperienced, and will go up against much better and faster competition in the NFL. His speed will not help him in the NFL. He will not be able to save every broken third and 13 with a run for a first down. He lacks the charater to succeed. He will not be playing in the NFL in four years. Two teams will try him. Both will dump him. Tebow’s work ethic will buy him a few years, but I don’t think he will make it very long either.

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
5:57 pm

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A.J. Green / 2011 NFL mock review: Top 40 players | Sporty Twits

April 28th, 2011
6:00 pm

[...] 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 » [...]

NFLGames.Net » Forget the NFL draft; give me the NBA – FOXSports.com

April 28th, 2011
6:06 pm

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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

Roger Goodell: NFL litigation ‘could go on for some time’ – USA Today | SportsZrr

April 28th, 2011
7:55 pm

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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

joe suggs

April 29th, 2011
8:13 am

WHO CARES WHAT THIS POLISHED UP THUG DOES ? He did not get a degree . He was a hired gun for one year !!!

DC

April 29th, 2011
9:05 am

^^UGA fan

BA

April 29th, 2011
10:17 am

^^Non-UGA fan

ATL XMAN

April 29th, 2011
1:12 pm

cam couldnt even win the starting job at fla over tebow what makes you think he will be better in the pros. they are pretty much even after its all said and done except tim is smarter and works harder because he doesnt have all the athletic ability that cam has . cam , like tebow ,will have problems in the nfl for at least 4 or 5 years as they are not getting a chance to learn how to be a pro qb.

Dustin

April 29th, 2011
1:39 pm

Here is what I think, Newton is on a HORRIBLE Carolina team and will get smashed by defenses because they cant protect him. Not to mention that there are no WRs in Carolina now. Steve Smith is on the way out.
Tim Tebow is going to be fine, John Elway is there. Yes, a Hall Of Fame QB who is “Tebow’s biggest fan.” He is going to be given a chance to succeed and he has some good pieces out there.

godoggo

April 29th, 2011
2:05 pm

Kris G: Well taken…..but i don’t believe i ever mentioned anything about a posse ? Or racial overtones….uh, one of my best buds is African American and i (not my wife) cooked dinner for him this week (at my house no less)…… I do feel Cam needs to keep and screen his comrades……having character issues can also show up with who we let hang around us and enable us…. Correct me if need be….

I will say, that i will Never, ever mention or compare Cam in the same sentence with Ben R…….Cam may have character issues, that i hope and pray he can overcome. Ben, i Truly feel along with thousands of other man and woman got away with Sxual Assault ? There is a big difference in character issues and Rape…..let Ben R. be Judged at the pearly gates : )

We base so many things on what money can buy……more money, more carats, more money, bigger boat,……yet with more money you can also buy the absolute worse form of carbon humanoid, and that is “quote” “a good Attorney” to get away with such a horrible act……..such an inverse relationship ?

No, Cam is deserving……i, just want him to make better choices, and make all those 8-15yr. olds that buy his jersey be proud like that kid in the Mean Joe Green commercial (btw, Joe has hands twice the size of most grown men)……..Today, im a big fan of M.Vick, he had to learn the hard way unfortunately, let us hope if he feels he is getting sidetracked he goes on “youtube” and watches Mikes past Media coverage…..or picks up the phone cand gives him a ring.

Holler if ya hear me ?

Ron

April 29th, 2011
3:41 pm

Once again a Tebow unjustified bashing. Please look up his stats in college and compare with any QB playing today or yesterday, yes even Elway. In almost all stats no one is close. Correct me if I’m wrong, but he Heisman’ d and produced 2 National Champ 06, 08while playing in the toughest conference SEC.
Tebow Passing TD as a Gator 88 & Rushing 57 Total=145 longest pass td 80yd lgst run TD 55
Peyton Manning TD as a Vol 89 passing 12 rushing total 101
John Elway TD @ Stanford 77 TD passing 5 rushing total 82
Not saying Tebow will exceed either of these legends, but please don’t write him off till we see what he can do. It’s not a job of stats between the 20’s…Tebow knows how to smell the endzone
Thomas Lounsbury once said we must view with profound respect the infinite capacity of the human mind to resist the introduction of useful knowledge…

Harrison

April 29th, 2011
5:13 pm

running quarterbacks like newton dont make it in the nfl wall tebow has good numbers

Nick

April 30th, 2011
1:50 am

Good topic to start a firestorm of debate. Most likely we won’t know the answer for at least 2-3 years.
Tebow is certainly a work in progress, but he has the drive, desire and (atleast for the next year) the support of the fans to at least have a chance. He played very well for Denver, (for a rookie) in the final 3 games he started for Denver. The thing about Tebow I love the most is the guy is a winner and he seems to thrive under pressure. When the game is on the line Tebow wants the ball and thats exactly what you want from your quarterback.
Cam Newton is a little tricky. I understand people having character concerns about him, but I think those might be blown a little out of proportion. Overlooking the character issues, lets look at the player. Simple statement, this kid is freakishly talented. I’m an LSU fan so I’ve seen a ton of SEC football and I watched this guy make spectacular plays with both his feet and his arm. If Carolina has the people in place to help Cam learn a complex NFL playbook and bring him along slowly, I think he could be a good quarterback in this league. In order to make Cam successful I thin the team will need to tweak the playbook to take advantage of Cam’s unique skills. He will never be the next elite pocket passer. He could be great if the system is tailored to take advantage of his abilities.
Last thought, I agree it is unfair to compare him to Jamarcus Russell or other “Athletic” quarterbacks. This guy is alot more talented than Russell ever was.

Dawg Tired

April 30th, 2011
12:05 pm

Jeff – Like you, I have no way of predicting what will or will not happen in the future regarding either of these guys. However, I am having difficulty seeing how a 6′6″ 250 pound athlete who can throw a football as well as Cam Newton and run like the wind can not succeed in the NFL. Newton also appears to have the work ethic to improve where needed.

I also have difficulty understanding how anyone who ever saw the incredible leadership skills and somewhat impressive athletic skills of Tebow displayed quite impressively in college would think he will fail in the NFL. Therefore, I voted that both will find success in the NFL. Of course neither or only one may actually do that, but only time will decide that.

Plus – disagreeing with me does not make one a moron. On the other hand, calling someone you have never met a moron is at least strong evidence of some defect, whether mental or emotional.

Camden Mark

May 1st, 2011
7:53 am

Newtons a brasher more irresponsable version of Jemarcus Russell and probably on his way to a similiar career as niether has any football brains.Superman (Tim) on the otherhand is the hardest worker,the guy on your team that leads by example,the guy that will not ever give up and can take a whole team on his shoulders.Teabow will have a nice NFL career simply because he’ll refuse not to.

James Bond

May 1st, 2011
1:58 pm

You are so full of hot air, Tim Tebow will be a star and win several Super Bowls, Scam Newton will be a flop just like Jamarcus Russell, as a Gator he couldn’t hold Tebow’s jocks, he was caught red handed with stolen lap top and flat screen T.V., he did not win the Heisman, Newton won the Heist-man for being a crook. His father got a load of cash from the Auburn boosters that wanted to win a National Title no matter the cost. In Auburn, they don’t call it CASH, they call it “CHEESE”, and the boosters love to spread it around like butter. Save this stupid article to ignorant fool, all these words you say here are coming back to hunt you!!!

your wrong on this onee

May 1st, 2011
6:33 pm

Tim Tebow has been told he can’t be a QB at every stage of his football career high school college and now the pros. He has proven everybody wrong time and time again with his success. He has a passion for football and will to win at anything he does. (not to mention has has just a little bit of athleticism) What makes this time any different? Tebow > Newton

Hesky

May 2nd, 2011
6:30 am

Jeff Schultz; did you watch any of Tebow’s 3 starts last season? While Cam Newton is probably planning a vacation with his family, Tebow is studying his ass off as we speak learning the Broncos’ new playbook.

cadawg

May 2nd, 2011
2:55 pm

jeff: your argument is just terrible. if tebow won’t be good because he doesn’t have an established guy in front of him, then newton, if he is going to be successful, must have some good, established QB’s ahead of him who can show him the ropes. oh wait, he’ll be holding the clipboard for matt moore and jimmy clausen. dumb.

i don’t think “character issues” are cam’s biggest liability. i’m not convinced he can actually play quarterback in the NFL. he started for one year in an offense that hid his deficiencies and played up his strengths. cam still hasn’t shown he can read a defense or throw the ball when everyone in the stadium knows he’s going to throw it. his film session with gruden was embarrassing. i’d be very surprised if he makes it as an NFL QB, but the draft makes fools of us all.

cadawg

May 2nd, 2011
3:07 pm

i think vince young is probably a better point of comparison for cam newton than jamarcus russell. cam has more or less the same skill set as vince coming out of college, and the concerns are the same. one has to hope that cam is more mature, and that he’s got a QB coach as good as mike heimerdinger, who deserves more credit than he gets for strides VY made as a QB in nashville.

i think the odds are against cam, but i don’t have any personal animus toward him and i wish him the best in the NFL.

Swamp Thing

May 2nd, 2011
3:38 pm

Hey Jeff – slow day at the office again on Monday? You can always try to gig the Gators (an ajc pastime) – but think about this, Who was Tebow’s backup at UF while he was there? Can you answer that? Maybe it’s because Urban couldn’t coach. Get a life Jeff.

Deer Bear

May 4th, 2011
5:21 am

Cam is coming in with this swag, the swag of getting paid to play college while no one else did. His daddy has helped him through his college career…financially. Well, its the big show now! Daddy isnt here. Daddy wont get you your job. After Tebow lost his final game to Bama I guarantee he hit the Gym because he had doubters. He put the work in the offseason! He accepted to change something hes done his whole life playing football. (mechanics) What does Cam do? Looks like an idiot in front of John Gruden not knowing anything about his offense and cant call a play from the huddle. He had a whiteboard telling the offense what the play was cause it was “simple”. Well, the NFL isnt “simple” your going to have to call a play. Also, one year of D1 ball? HE is built the exact same way as Jamarcus Russel. I don’t see much difference between the two. Size that isnt big enough to lower shoulders into defensive backs like they could in college. The defensive line is going to be much more athletic in the nfl so will the linebackers. Its going to be alot harder to escape pressure from people like Jared Allen, Dwight Freeney, Mario Williams, Tuck, Seymour, Peppers (so on) then it did against teams that Cam played in 2010. (So. Car, ULM, Kentucky, Chattanooga) Also, Tebow looked decent week 16 and 17 of the 2010 NFL season. In the Gruden interview cam compares his game to a gun and the criticism is a ammunition. What if the ammuntion builds up so much all the gunpowder explodes and leaves us with another bust at #1? I think this guy’s attitude will have a lot of criticism coming his way!

Deer Bear

May 4th, 2011
5:26 am

+ I dont see how an argument for sale jerseys relates to how one plays on the field??? Kind of a poor argument against Tebow. I dont know alot of superbowl champs coming out of college?? can you name some??

Ciaran Murphy

May 4th, 2011
12:12 pm

Tebow has everything you said Newton has , Size speed and strenght! Tebow is 18 stone, lightning off the mark and compete with anyone in a tackle. You are a Tebow hater, Tebow isn’t perfect but week in week out he will win games. Tebow was ridiculed for being a ‘mobile’ quarterback last year and this year all the analyst say that what is needed, a quarterback who can make plays with his feet. Stop hateing on Tebow!

Rcade81

May 4th, 2011
1:25 pm

I’m 100% with the last 3 comments. Your article blows and your opinion is just idiotic. Get the facts straight before you post stupid stuff man.

NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

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NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC

271 comments Add your comment

About Jeff Schultz

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