The Vikings would seem unlikely to gamble on drafting Heisman Trophy winner and controversial quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 12 pick in the first round of next month’s NFL draft.
Newton is a man-child physically (about 6-6, 250) but only played one year of major college football. The 21-year-old was sensational running and passing for Auburn, leading the Tigers to the national championship. His career has also been characterized by controversy off the field.
While the Vikings need a quarterback, they already have a similarly gifted project in Joe Webb who was a rookie last year after being drafted on the sixth round. Webb played enough late last season to tease coaches with his potential. He played in five games and started two, throwing for 477 yards and no touchdowns with a passer rating of 60.9.
Webb is about 6-4, 220 pounds. With a strong wind behind him, he could probably toss a football 100 yards. He can run past tacklers or bowl them over. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry last season and scored two touchdowns. Sound like Newton?
Webb, 24, was not a full-time quarterback during his college career at Alabama-Birmingham, also playing wide receiver as a sophomore. It was his potential at both positions that initially intrigued the Vikings.
The Vikings reportedly plan to work Newton out privately prior to the draft. He could definitely be available when the Vikings pick at No. 12, although some of his boosters see him being among the first 10 draft choices. The Vikings have needs at multiple positions and will have many choices drafting early in the first round.
This is not considered an extraordinary draft for quarterbacks. Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert could be the first quarterback chosen and Newton second, but defensive linemen are expected to dominate among the first 20 players taken.
Because of Webb and other needs, it might not be difficult for Vikings personnel executive Rick Spielman and his assistants to pass on Newton and choose a defensive lineman, offensive tackle or even wide receiver.