Mel on Cam

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The ever popular draft guru (or so he's referred as) Mel Kiper, Jr. was on a two hour conference call today regarding his latest mock draft. The popular subject, of course, was Cam Newton.

Not surprising considering Newton has lately become the greatest thing since sliced bread or so some think. Kiper is NOT one of those. Courtesy of Joe Reedy of Cincinnati.com, Kiper feels Newton is a risk.

“If you hit on Newton you could have a sensational quarterback for 10 years. If you miss, it sets you back three, four, five years,” Kiper said. “He was a one-year wonder. Akili Smith was a one-year wonder.”

Now, all Bengals fans remember Akili Smith, don't they? That pick did set the franchise back a bit. The interesting point is that in Kiper's most recent mock draft, guess who he has taking Newton? That's right. The Cincinnati Bengals at #4. Not WR A.J Green from Georgia as he had slotted previously, but Auburn's Newton.

And the one-year wonder tag does make sense...somewhat. He did have the one year at Florida (sort of) followed by the year at Blinn College where led then to a JUCO title. JUCO and the SEC are two completely different animals and Newton did master them both. I'm personally not that high on Newton either. In fact, this QB class is weak.

But Kiper has an interesting theory as to why Cincy will go that way.

“In 2003, Marvin Lewis’ first year as head coach with the Bengals, the franchise drafted Carson Palmer, and had the discipline to start Jon Kitna all season and let Palmer learn the system while waiting to step in as the franchise quarterback. With Palmer on his way out, Lewis could do something similar in 2011, drafting Newton, letting him take a year to learn the system and plugging in an interim solution in the meantime. The Bengals could also consider moving this pick, similar to Carolina’s position with Gabbert.”

I said it was interesting. I didn't say it was plausible. There are some things here.


First, the Bengals would have to find a way to get a QB taht is willing to be that bridge between Carson Palmer (who the Bengals should trade since he doesn't want to play in Cincinnati and get a pick as part of the deal) and Newton. If Mike Brown can work a trade (even though he's stated he won't), that would also release some money so he could go after a decent QB that would be willing to play a year, mentor Newton, and even play after that one season in case there are hiccups along the way. The exact same as Kitna did.

Second, I really don't think Marvin has the time to go this direction. Yes, he's got a new deal with the Bengals, but the time frame may (should) be a little shorter. Bengals fans throughout this past season were calling for Lewis to pack up and go. I know the fans don't coach the team, but they do aid in bringing in a few bucks.

Third, the offensive is in a complete state of flux. Who's really going to play QB? Who's going to play WR? Plus, you have a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden. If his offensive philosophy is similar to his brother's, it will be a variation of the West Coast offense. It may take more than one season of sitting and watching in order to become familiar with all of the nuances. Even seasoned QBs have difficulty with the system. Imagine being a rookie and having that system to learn.

There's no simple answer to the dilemma the Bengals are now in at QB. I don't believe Newton is the answer though.