Will Cam Newton’s Arrogance Cost Him NFL Success?

One of the biggest things I look for in a prospect as far as potential long term success is intangibles. What kind of intangibles does Cam Newton possess? Right now, he’s making guarantees, walking around with  his entourage, claiming he wants to be transparent in the draft process, and saying that he’s not just a football player, he wants to be an entertainer and an icon.

To me, this sounds like a guy who has motives other than just football, which has got to be a red flag for prospective coaches and general managers. The fact that he is throwing at the combine is admirable, but not smart. He’s definitely not lacking in confidence, which is something you really value in a quarterback prospect.

My biggest question is this–can Cam Newton overcome himself?

It seems like he has every physical tool you could ever want in a quarterback prospect. He’s huge, his arm has been characterized by Mel Kiper Jr. as some type of large gun, or at least something impressive, and his athleticism is bar none the best of any QB of his size you might ever see. He can run, he can throw, and he can even catch.

So why do I feel like Cam Newton has serious bust potential?

I just think Newton is more concerned with promoting his image than playing football. I could be totally wrong. Don’t get me wrong, he seems like a hard worker, and I definitely think he has some skill, and I think he is the best quarterback in this draft. However, when you pit him against guys like Sam Bradford, he just doesn’t compare.

I still think Newton will be a top pick in the coming draft, and he could even be the draft’s first overall pick. In the end though, I don’t think he will be worth what a team pays for him. He needs a situation where he can learn, not only on and off the field, but in terms of humility. It seems like his outrageous one year success at Auburn has triggered something in him to make him think he is the greatest prospect out there, and while that’s a good mentality to have, it’s better to be subtle at this point in the process.

Cam Newton is one of the most intriguing players in the draft, but right now, I have a bad feeling about him.