As I've been maintaining...if we want Newton we are going to have to trade up to get him. He is the buzz of this draft. Harry made a very insightful point in that in his opinion Newton isn't the dink and dunk ball control type of QB that Whiz prefers for his system...but, then again, if you look at Newton's uncanny propensity for converting third downs, either by air or by ground...and...if you take into consideration how potentially dynamic a mobile QB could be in this offense, Newton jumps out at screams at you.
Conversely, when you look at Gabbert's struggles on third downs...you can't help but be concerned.
What we got awfully spoiled with in having Kurt Warner as QB is how amazingly often he had the right answer to keep drives moving. That, my good friends, is the name of the game.
I don't care how you get it done...but you have to get it done.
The best defense is a ball control offense that keeps moving the chains and keeps putting points on the board.
If you feel that Newton gives you the best chance for that...you do whatever it takes to try to acquire him.
In this case, I think Carolina is in a precarious position that they do not like...they surrendered the #33 pick to the Patriots as a result of a trade last year.
They have multiple needs...and they already drafted a QB in Jimmy Clausen who is supposed to be their QBOF...and with a year of growth under his belt and a new staff that could bring confidence to his game, they may already have their guy.
What it would cost the Cardinals is the #5 and #38 picks...and I think the Cardinals could obtain the Panther's 4th or 5th round pick to boot.
If the Cardinals elect to stay put at #5...and they wish to address the edge pass rush...they will be in a position to draft one of the best ones in this draft...BUT...they all have question marks:
Bowers: too big to play 34SOLB...so he would become a situational rusher...as a #5 pick?
Miller: too small, too light...in the NFL it will take him a few years to not get tossed wide like a terrier in a bull ring.
Quinn: hasn't played competitive football for over a year. Sure looks the part...but, as we saw with Jake Locker, a year can make a huge difference for what pundits consider sure-fire top 5 picks.
Aldon Smith: as raw as freshly ground sirloin...could fire up and taste sweet and juicy...but might come out stringy and undercooked. The learning curve for him is steep. Worthy of the #5 pick?
Houston: young...not particularly seasoned...but has that great first step.
Kerrigan: imo the most NFL ready pass rusher in this draft...fits the "Steeler LeBeau mode" the best because he can turn the corner with quicks and he can bull you back to the QB even against double teams. But can he play 34OLB? Again, are you getting a situational rusher?
Peterson...love this kid's athleticism and versatily...if he's there you can feel very good about taking him...heck the last time we picks at #5 we missed out on another Peterson, didn't we?
But, I think Peterson will go #2 to the Broncos. Too good for them to pass up.
I think it goes this way:
1. CAR: QB Newton
2. DEN: CB/PR Peterson
3. BUF: DE Bowers
4. CIN: WR Green
If this is the case...BPA is Nick Fairley...no doubt in my mind. You have to take him...but you still need the edge rusher, so you have to hope that Brooks Reed is there at #38. Jeremy Beal is not quick enough. He's strong...but the reason why he kept jumping off-sides at the Senior Bowl is...he lacks that great first step...in other words, he lacks the explosion and the quickness.
If Cincinnati takes Fairley instead of WR Green...the BPA is A.J. Green.
I am all over that.
He is an All-Pro waiting to happen.
Thus...in conclusion...
1. If you want Newton...you trade up.
2. If you stay put...you see how the picks go and take BPA...which will likely be Peterson, Fairley or Green.
I am fine with all 4 scenarios...
But hopeful that the edge rusher the Cardinals take at #38 or #69 is a profound difference maker.