This is why drafting Cam Newton worries me

True - we still have no quarterback.

So - we need that.

 

Has everyone given up on Moore? I admit that he sucked last year. His stats are very similar to Clausen, but if you look at his numbers from 2009 they are pretty decent. Not stellar by no means, but solid. Looking at '09 and then looking at last year's numbers and how similar they are to Clausen's makes me think that maybe Moore didn't just completely shit the bed but there were other factors that helped to contribute to that performance. And if that were the case, shouldn't we be more open to give Moore another shot? Doesn't 2009 warrant another shot in 2011 over taking a risky pick in the draft?

What am I missing?

2010 .... PCT ... TD .. INT SACK .. RATING
Moore ... 55.2 ... 5 ... 10 ... 13 ... 55.6
Clausen ..52.5 ... 3 .... 9 ... 33 ... 58.4

2009 .... PCT ... TD . INT SACK RATING
Moore ... 61.6 ... 8 ... 2 ... 9 ... 98.5

 

We don't need a rookie qb. A vet would be nice, but I wouldn't count clausen out yet.

 

A lot more than WR. We really need a vet at each.


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My lack of qualifications to be an NFL GM are clear. So, my thoughts on this #1 pick thing are just thoughts, not convictions or certainties.

Three elements of Newton give me a positive feel about drafting him:

1. His teammates, everywhere he's been, love the dude.
2. His coaches, at every level, praise him for his work ethic and leadership.
3. Prototypical size, height, arm. Bonus: speed.

His inaccuracy does concern me. I know his numbers last year were 60%+, but I would make the assumption that a good many of his passes were simple reads/simple routes to complete.

I've heard the analysts that I trust, and several GM's, make one consistent comment: "He can make all the NFL throws". Then, several analysts will tell you that he can't. So, somebody is going to be wrong on the guy.

But to suggest, as some have, that only fanboys think Newton has the potential to be a very strong QB over a long period of time for this team is not true. If every analyst/scout/former coach was really concerned about the guy, and voiced it, it would give me more concern, as well.

If I am Rivera (because it's his show now), I am working with Hurney and his staff to be as certain as possible that your top pick is going to provide maximum impact for your success/consistency over the next 5-7 years. I also don't consider it a loss if the player, whether it's Newton or Dareus, fails to produce desirable results in year one.

I go back to Josh Freeman. Colin and I had a civil debate on whether or not he's a "franchise" qb. Colin presented some valid, compelling data that would suggest that scheming against Freeman with a single high safety look could negatively impact his long-range production. I agree with the theory, and hopefully, NFL coordinators understand this, as well. That said, Freeman played late in his rookie season, and struggled (I believe he was picked off 4 times by Carolina in December 2009). In year two, with what I would consider a similar crop of young receivers to Carolina's, the results were dramatically different. He won 10 games as a starter with a pretty brutal schedule, not to mention, his QB rating was 3rd in the NFC and his TD/INT ratio was about as good as any QB from 2010.

Newton is not Freeman, or Jamarcus, or Brady. Netwon is Newton. Nobody knows what he'll be, long range, for certain. I personally feel he has all the tools to be a game-changing, play-extending QB for a long time in this league. Yet, there's still a little bit of character doubt from many, and a lot of accuracy doubt, from all.

Kirwan says it's a deep draft for DT's. Maybe he's wrong, and if he is, someone should correct it here. If he's right, even without a 2nd, it would be reasonable to address DT later the in draft, and eventually through FA. Tommie Harris would be a very good fit, and if he's in good enough shape, he's a Rivera guy that would probably love a shot at being a starter here.

If I didn't think there was a QB in the draft that could fit the personality of an offensive scheme, their HC and the team's overall need, I would be all over Dareus. But I think Newton will be well coached here, if picked. I think he and Smitty will have a dymanic relationship, and I think he has the charisma and personality to get a very young group of WR's to elevate their play.

Clausen has yet to show me, singularly, that he can even sniff that type of impact on his teammates. And, from who is available in the market, Bulger would be the only player that would--to me--make any sort of sense. I have cooled on McNabb, FWIW.

I will say this: if there is doubt about Newton inside the walls at Mint Street, do your best to trade the pick. We really need that 2nd round pick back, and by passing on Newton and moving back 5-15 spots in the 1st, you still have options. But, if you keep the pick and don't take Newton, Dareus sure as fuck better turn out good for the long-haul.

 

Oh, yes. This is the guy that's trying his best to gain exposure, so he's the one guy (only one) who has taken this extreme of a view on Newton and got it published.

Hey, he does good work, from what I have seen. But there is a lot in this article, and his other more provocative one, that I doubt, in terms of legitimacy and accuracy. As always, enough of it is probably true and verified that PFW was barely satisfied enough to run it.

I have more skepticism about this reporter than I do Netwon, FWIW.

 

Odd:

So. Interesting. He's primed to "foreclose" a GM's gig, yet, the writer puts him in his top-15?

If I was a GM, and I felt one player could cost me my job, singlehandedly, he wouldn't be on my board.

And, again, to Collin's point the other day: just report. Quit with the eloquence and creativity, and get to the fucking point. Oh, wait: I forgot. Editors need X amount of "words" in their articles. Filler up, bitch!

 

Looks like he's projecting where he will go not where he personally would take him.

According to his PFW Grade, and the guide from 2009 (first one I found) he has him as a second rounder who could become a good starter.

 

Can't say I'm thrilled with drafting Newton and reading some of the draft reports on him increase my doubts. OTOH, I watched the QB show on Tom Brady the other night on ESPN and his player report made him seem like a candidate for the CFL or Arena league. So really, who knows? I DO like Andy Dalton from TCU tho

 

Accuracy is my big concern - that combined with a cock-suredness, while awesome when successful - could cause him to spiral into personal and emotional chaos should he experience failure.

But the second part has not shown up in his character, ever.

Alot of his college completions were to large, wide open windows. Accuracy is a valid concern. Colin's assertion that qb's dont get accurate through coaching ( i think he stated this ) is a concern, also. I cannot refute it, because I don't really know.

Freeman - alot of his success came against broken plays out of the pocket where he made shit happen. Newton could do that.

2 weeks.