Cam Newton Hinders Carolina Bluff With Combine Performance

Cameron Newton didn't help the Carolina Panthers with their bluff on Sunday at the NFL Combine. His mechanics were flawed, his accuracy questionable.

The Panthers' coach Ron Rivera talked last week as if Newton might be their sought-after franchise quarterback to get some interest revved up for a trade, but Newton didn't help the ruse.

Carolina has Jimmy Clausen in the fold and they are not going to give up on their second-round pick of 2010 to take Newton. What they want is for a team down the pecking order, perhaps San Francisco or Buffalo, to covet Newton and trade a first and second round pick to the Panthers.

Carolina is going to take Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson, Patrick Peterson of LSU, or A.J. Green of Georgia with the first pick overall. They are not going to take Newton, but they want somebody out there to believe they are.

It isn't the money that is going to keep the Panthers away from Newton. The only sure thing in the labor dispute between players and owners is the need for a rookie salary cap. The veterans want it; the owners want it. The rookies' big paydays are coming to a close.

Carolina needs a franchise quarterback, but they are not going to rush into it. After all, who says they will not be in this position in 2011 when Andrew Luck is available.

Who says there will even be a 2011 season? We could have the same draft order this time next spring.

Extra Points:

• The most impressive thing about Newton's workout was his running. NFL teams don't want their quarterbacks to run. Sooner or later the defense catches up. Just ask Michael Vick. He was hemmed in by the Packers in the playoffs.

• Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett gave the Panthers something to think about with his throwing Sunday. Newton is not the best passer in the draft. Why would the Panthers take the quarterback who is not the best passer?