Did the NFL Lockout Help the 2011 Rookie QB Class?

Friday morning on ESPN’s Mike and Mike, NFL analyst and former quarterbacks Ron Jaworski made an intriguing comment as to why he believes the rookie quarterback class of 2011 had so much success.

He credited the lockout.

Arizona Cardinals Targeting Kevin Kolb?

I'm starting to get more convinced that Philadelphia Eagles back-up quarterback Kevin Kolb is a virtual lock to join the Arizona Cardinals this season. There are two reasons why I think this happens: Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Cam Newton.

First, Fitzgerald, who is scheduled to become a free agent after next year, was allegedly asked by the Cardinals brass for a list quarterbacks he'd like to play with. Fitzgerald reportedly put Kolb at the top of that list (although Fitzgerald has denied this claim). The reason this is significant is because Arizona is trying to sign Fitzgerald to a long-term deal and they want to make him happy. Trading for Kolb would make Fitzgerald happy, thus Fitzgerald would re-sign.

Secondly, the Cardinals are not on the list of teams planning to hold a private workout with Cam Newton. Arizona holds the fifth pick in the draft and it would be logical for the QB-needy Cardinals to bring him in for a workout. Their lack of interest in Newton tells me they're looking at other options at quarterback -- namely Kevin Kolb.

If Arizona decide to deal for Kolb, it will have to wait for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). My guess is the Cardinals second round pick (#37 overall) will be involved in a deal for Kolb.

2011 NFL Draft: 6 Private Workouts Planned for Cam Newton

(Update: The two unidentified teams are reportedly the Cleveland Browns (#6 pick) and the Miami Dolphins (#15 pick). NFL.com reports the Cincinnati Bengals (#4 pick) and Tennessee Titans (#8 pick) also have private workouts scheduled with Newton. The Seattle Seahawks also have reportedly planned a private workout with Newton, according to CBS Sports -- March 10, 2011)

Six teams have reportedly lined up private workouts with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. According to NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, Newton's father Cecil said the workouts are with the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins. The two other teams were not revealed.

Newton and his reps have already met privately with the Panthers and Bills while they were at Auburn's pro day on Tuesday.

As is typical with private workouts, the team's head coach or coordinator will go through drills with the player at an undisclosed location.

Newton is expected to be drafted in the top 5, with many people speculating he'll go number one overall.

Miami Dolphins eyeing Cam Newton in NFL Draft?

He's one of the best sports-rumors-guys in the business, and he's got a hot tip about Cam Newton. According to Incarcerated Bob (yes, that's his moniker), the Miami Dolphins are very interested in trading up to get Auburn quarterback Cam Newton.

The Dolphins currently have the #15 pick and while Newton stumbled a bit at the NFL Scouting Combine, no one believes Newton will slide that far in the draft.

If Incarcerated Bob is correct about the Fins intentions, Newton will be taking his talents to South Beach.

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cam Newton

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (6'6" 250 lbs.)

Positives: Has all the tools to be an elite NFL quarterback. He has an effortless throwing motion and tremendous arm strength. He has the ability to make every throw necessary in the NFL. Extremely mobile and dangerous when he gets out of the pocket. Very accurate passer, both in the pocket and on the run. He had a prolific season last year at Auburn, despite being the most scrutinized college football player

Negatives: Hasn't shown great accuracy when trying to throw within small passing windows. Needs to work on setting his feet better before he throws. He's still maturing, with only one year of starting experience at the division one level. His biggest flaw may be his character concerns surrounding his recruitment to Auburn. He won't be able to rely on his athleticism in the NFL, needs to prove he's willing to learn the pro game.

Click here to watch video of Cam Newton

2011 NFL mock draft: Cam Newton the new #1?

With more than two months to go until the 2011 NFL draft, mock draft boards are starting to undergo some major shake-ups.

Most mock drafts I've seen have changed significantly from week-to-week, and it's only going to continue. One of the latest mock drafts comes from CBSSPORTSLINE.com writers, Rob Rang and Chad Reuter. The two of them have just five duplicate picks out of 32 first round selections - including different players going first overall. Click here to see the CBSSPORTSLINE.com 2011 NFL mock draft.

Click here for a comprehensive list of 2011 NFL mock drafts compiled by MinnesotaVikingsChat.com.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

2011 Projected

2825 yds.

13 TDs

18 INTs

The Panthers would like to bring Newton along slowly, but the fact of the matter is, they can't afford to. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who was a rookie last season, showed he wasn't the answer for a franchise that desperately needs a spark. Newton's abilities are off the charts, but he'll need time to learn a complex pro-style offense. Newton's ability to run (projected: 5 rushing TDs) and his impressive arm strengh will make him an exciting player to watch, but he'll have a limited impact in fantasy football.   

2011 NFL Draft: Video of Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Click here to go back to 2011 NFL Scouting Combine:

Top 10 Draft Prospects