If there’s one thing in the NFL Draft process that is an absolute truth, it’s that quarterbacks will look good at the pro day workout.
That was the case on Tuesday for Auburn’s Cam Newton and Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett.
ESPN3 aired the entire Auburn pro day and Newton’s throwing session ended the day’s activities.
Led by quarterback coach George Whitfield, Newton completed 50 of 60 passes. It was a much better showing than the one he had at the NFL Scouting Combine. Five of those incompletions may be due to the receivers he was throwing to. Newton made a lot of throws rolling out of the pocket on play action.
Unsurprisingly, Newton and Mallett excel on pro days
The footwork Newton displayed was much better than it was at his media session and the Combine, but he’s still a touch slow in his drop back. Some of his out routes came in high as well.
The most interesting part of the Auburn pro day was seeing the interaction from coaches and personnel men. Panthers coach Ron Riviera was regularly seen close to Newton. Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt personally had Newton take more snaps from under center.
On NFL Network, analyst Mike Mayock provided plenty of praise for Newton, saying he can make every throw.
“This kid can drive the football,” Mayock said. “He can drive it on the deep, outbreaking comeback, he can drive it on the inbreeding Bang-8 or dig route.”
At the Arkansas pro day, which wasn’t televised, Mallett reportedly looked excellent when he could sit back and throw from the pocket.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com called it a “sensational” workout. Brooks said Mallett was able to put the ball wherever he wanted with good velocity.
The trouble for Mallett is that he’s so stationary. Regardless of his 40-yard dash time today of 5.37 seconds, Mallett just doesn’t work well when he has to move around. His mechanics go out of whack when he has to move around.
That was something coaches should have worked Mallett out in, but apparently did not. As Brooks notes, Mallett wasn’t asked to reset his feet and throw on time. On NFL Network, former quarterback Trent Green referred to Mallett as “Dan McGwire.” Those concerns are just as bothersome as his character issues.
Note: As a point of reference on pro day workouts,
went 57-59.
was 59-60.
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