Converting Cam Newton

Does Heisman Trophy Winner and possible top 10 draft pick Cameron Newton have what it takes to play with the best. Expert opinion seems to say no. Common knowledge of scramblers in the NFL aims to disappointment. Although the major signs of more more hype than worth seem to be building up around this young man future, in my personal opinion, Newton has what it takes prove everyone wrong.

The man is , for lack of a better word, a monster. At 6'6" and a little less than 250 lbs. Cam has the physical aspects needed to play to the highest of levels. I do know that few are cutting on the guy's physical approach to football, many have praised his size, strength, and surprising agility. I know I have being a long time Madden NFL gamer and cant wait to see how his talent transfers to the game. But I need to stay on point, unfortunately seeing how many people are willing to listen to me rant on Madden will have to wait.

Actually, what I'm trying to focus on is the demeaning of Newtons skill set. Cam Newton brings some unique traits to the NFL. First of all, his toughness rivals that of just about any current NFL star. He is large and physical but also nimble and quick. The most overlooked part a Newtons game is his ability to move around. All of the dedicated college scramblers and option quarterbacks that had any level of success in the NFL have used their mobility to set up the pass and give receivers extra time to develop routes and create separation between defenders. Think Mike Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, or my personal favorite Aaron Rodgers(lived my whole life in Wisconsin !!GO PACK!!), all of these guys can use there athleticism to move around, get away from pressure, extend plays, cause defensive breakdowns, and make miracles happen when everything falls apart.  Newton is another guy that has these abilities.

Look, I know the classic story, guy goes through tough times, works hard, has determination, succeeds, the crowd cheers, and so on. Newton's story has those elements, yes, but his also is one of a kind, I mean the guy was recruited to Florida and rode the bench behind Tim Tebow. He drew attention when he was arrested for theft, then again for academic cheating which drove him to drop out to avoid suspension or even expulsion. Really?! Ok this has to end now, i mean seriously, hes done. But wait, he plays ball for a junior college! Still, his shot is gone right? Then he brings his buddy's from Binn to the NJCAA National Championship and becomes the only 5 Star recruit in 2010.

Auburn's head coach Gene Chizek recruited Newton, starting him immediately. Newton wasted no time redeeming himself at the Division I level. He led Auburn to major victories over good teams including defending BCS Champion Alabama, ultimately ending the season as national champions. Cam himself took home the SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award, AP Player of the Year, and the ultimate college prize, the Heisman Trophy. Along the way he became only the second player in SEC history to pass for over 2000 yards, rush for over 1000 Yards, and only the second NCAA player ever to run for and throw for over 20 touchdowns each.

Seriously, this guy can do it all. He has shown he can be a leader, he can hit, take a beating, and play hard nosed football, all traits that can endear him to any teammate. He brings toughness, athleticism, and good old fashioned football grit to a game that has in many ways become soft. He has made some questionable decisions but in a league with guys like Ricky Williams and Ben Roesthlisbeger, with all due respect to those players, why should these things matter. Unless Newton shows he cares more about off the field "extracurricular activities" then his game, I believe he should have his chance in the NFL. Regardless of past problems caused by Cam himself or his family, give the guy a chance to prove his worth as an athlete and a person before we pass judgment. This guy is going to play well and there is plenty of teams in need of a signal caller(A-hem Arizona). The team to draft Cam will find themselves in possession of a lethal weapon that has everything he needs to take the league by storm.

-Christopher Chidester