The New York Giants and New York Jets are likely to have zero interest in drafting Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who Thursday declared his intention to enter the 2011 NFL Draft. That, however, does not mean Giants and Jets fans should not pay attention to what happens with Newton's draft stock. After all, there are a few NFC East and AFC East teams who could be looking for a quarterback, so they might be seeing a lot of him.
The Buffalo Bills pick third. That might be too early for Newton, and the Bills might feel they are OK with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Still, I don't think you can look at Fitzpatrick and see an upper-echelon guy.
The Miami Dolphins pick 15th. Are the Dolphins really committed to Chad Henne as their long-term answer at quarterback? Personally, I don't see Henne as a big-time NFL quarterback. Do you? So, that would make the Dolphins a possibility.
The Washington Redskins pick 10th. We know coach Mike Shanahan has soured on Donovan McNabb and that it is extremely unlikely McNabb will be back. That leaves Rex Grossman at the helm in Washington, and I doubt Shanahan sees Grossman as the long-term answer. The Redskins using their first pick on a quarterback would not be a stunner at all. Would Newton be the guy Shanahan wants to build around? Could be.
SB Nation's Mocking the Draft posted a scouting report on Newton today. Here is part of it:
Cam Newton will be the most polarizing player in the 2011 NFL Draft. It's easy to see why some will fall madly in love him and why others will go mad if their team drafts him.
Newton is a rare talent. With his size, athleticism and arm strength, Newton has more potential than any player in this year's draft. That alone will get him picked in the first round. He also displays great leadership skills that are impossible to teach. In only one year at Auburn, the Tigers rallied around Newton and he led them to a national title.
But his negatives may scare some teams off completely. Newton will have to greatly refine all of his mechanical flaws if he wants to succeed in the pros. His field vision and pocket poise are average, at best. Then there are the questions about his character – fair or not. He's had multiple off-field issues and has bounced around from Florida to Blinn Junior College to Auburn.
Newton will be one of the most fascinating players to watch throughout the draft process. And on draft day.