Talking to reporters on Monday, sensational Auburn quarterback Cam Newton said he "couldn't give a definite decision on how I'm feeling right now" about entering the 2011 NFL Draft until after this season.
Cam Newton not talking about NFL Draft
Newton, the Heisman Trophy front runner, has led Auburn to a 9-0 record and poised to make the SEC Championship game. Win that, and it could be the National Title game for Newton.
There has been speculation, namely from Tony Pauline of TFY Draft, that Newton will enter the pros following this season. Odds are, he will never be a hotter player if he maintains his current pace.
On the year, he has 1,573 yards passing, with a 66.7 completion percentage with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. What’s more impressive is his 1,122 yards rushing with 14 scores on the ground (and one receiving).
As a pure quarterback, though, Newton is mostly unproven. He plays in a run-option spread and seems to want to pull the ball down too fast. His physical skills – arm strength, athleticism – are unquestionable. But as a passer, Newton still has room to grow. If he enters the NFL Draft in 2011, a team might be more wiling to take a chance on a more proven commodity like Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett.
Should Newton stay, he'll continue to develop and Mallett will most likely be gone already. In 2012, Newton would be in the draft with the likes of Matt Barkley of USC and maybe Andrew Luck of Stanford if he doesn't enter this year.
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