SB Nation's Mocking The Draft called Auburn QB Cam Newton the most polarizing player in the 2011 NFL draft and, after looking at a few 2011 NFL mock drafts, it appears they may be right. A scan of various NFL mock drafts shows Newton going anywhere from No. 7 to the San Francisco 49ers to No. 16 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Here is Mocking The Draft's Cam Newton scouting report and here's a roundup of mock drafts and where they have Newton going.
SB Nation (No. 12 Vikings): Let's just say that we actually believe Brett Favre this time around. Minnesota is going to be in the market for a franchise quarterback, and they won't be afraid to gamble a little on a high-upside player like the Heisman Trophy winner.
CBS Sports Rob Rang (No. 8 Titans): Titans' owner Bud Adams might be able to have his cake and eat it too. In retaining head coach Jeff Fisher, he correctly chose the leader of his team. With the playmaking Newton still on the board, however, he can get a Vince Young clone.
CBS Sports Chad Reuter (No. 12 Vikings): Unless the Vikings think Joe Webb could be their future starter, bringing in another big-armed, athletic quarterback to sling the ball to Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin could help them contend in 2011.
FanHouse (No. 7 49ers): Alex Smith isn't coming back, Troy Smith isn't good enough and the next coach of the Niners can't build anything without a quarterback. Newton isn't a sure thing, but he's too tempting to pass up at this point.
Draft Tek (No. 16 Jaguars): It's time -- Garrard has been an average QB at best, up one year and down the next, but should be able to start for another year or two. The Jags target the most athletic QB in this year's draft to groom as the heir-apparent -- and he inherits an offense rich in talent in the OL, at RB and improving at WR. Yes, the Jags still need a pass-rush from the DE position, but will not draft that position in the 1st round for two reasons: 1) their lack of success in drafting DE's over the past few drafts, and 2) the chance at a franchise QB.