2011 NFL Draft: Eric DeCosta Sings Cam Newton's Praises

by Brian Galliford on Feb 21, 2011 2:30 PM EST in 2011 NFL Draft

On the day that the Buffalo Bills made Buddy Nix their new general manager - December 31, 2009 - MRW published a post about a GM candidate that I, and many others here, had been openly pining after for some time: Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta. There's your background info.

We have heard reports that Nix likes Auburn quarterback Cam Newton "a great deal" heading into the 2011 NFL Draft. We know that there is a very good philosophical base for why Chan Gailey would be a good fit for a quarterback of Newton's talents. I thought it was interesting that DeCosta, working for a team that has no shot at drafting Newton this April, went out of his way to talk the junior up in a recent radio interview.

"He’s got tremendous size. He’s got an absolute cannon for an arm," DeCosta was quoted as saying in The Baltimore Sun. "Let’s face it, he brought Auburn back in a lot of big games this year. He’s got some moxie and he showed some poise and he’s got some ability to win a big game down the stretch. So I think he’s a talented guy and I would expect him to be a pretty high pick and I’m sure he’ll have a great career."

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I agree with this assessment

I think that Buffalo should be ahead of the curve a bit (for once). I would like the see the 3-4/4-3 hybrid continue to develop. I would also like a highly athletic quarterback like Newton. Tack on a quality TE……watch things open up for Spiller….. I think we could be close to getting where we need to be.

Strap it on!

by Thurman's Helmet on Feb 21, 2011 2:48 PM EST reply actions

Im getting to the point where

it will be a dissapointment when we dont get him.

It is the most influential position on the team and he has the ability to carry a team

"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-

by billsoferie on Feb 21, 2011 2:51 PM EST reply actions

agree

The folks that compare him to JaMarcus need to watch more film. Easy to say in hindsight, but I was shocked at the Russell valuations. I watch a lot of SEC football. Cam Newton (even with the baggage) has intangibles that Russell lacked. If the interviews go well (ie no Vince Young inner softness please) then I think we need to go Newton. If that interviews go poorly…. get one of the DL prospects.

Strap it on!

by Thurman's Helmet on Feb 21, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'll agree to that....

If his brain and vision (abilty to see the field and blitzers) check out then take him, but only if! If there are questions about this and Gailey thinks he can fix him, than nooooooooooo…..

gobills!

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

And you base all that on his one year college???

by Winnie33 on Feb 21, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

one year in college?

Doesn’t his stats from 2009 count?

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Feb 21, 2011 8:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

You mean that Jr college he went to in Texas....want to include his stats from high school too?

For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

Oh course, you have to count his ENTIRE college career. If Newton is assessed soley on is his one year at Auburn, then what happened in Florida goes out the window as well.

Gee that was easy! He has ZERO off field issues now, I like thinking like like that, it’s so liberating!

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Feb 21, 2011 10:06 PM EST up reply actions

I was talking about the level of competition....not the time frame

For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 10:08 PM EST up reply actions

I based my response on my original reply to Winnie33 about “one year in college”. As a player he has demonstrated competency, and excelled when given increasing levels of responsibility. Unlike his peers, he has been involved in several come from behind victories against a high level of competition, including the College Championship game. He has a record of winning, big games and small, high level of competition and junior college level which cannot be disputed. He has earned the consideration he is receiving.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Feb 21, 2011 10:15 PM EST up reply actions

I have given him the consideration he deserves and found him lacking as the #3 pick

If CHIX feels differently, so be it. I didn’t like the Spiller pick either.

Anyone but Cam Newton at #3

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

Wow, I didn't know he was missing!

Who knows what CHIX will decide, QB in the first round or wait until later, no matter what we will still root for the home team.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Feb 21, 2011 10:32 PM EST up reply actions

On that, we agree 100%

Anyone but Cam Newton at #3

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

Cam Newton played 13 games...Mark Sanchez played 16 games

Detroit Lions Mock Draft

1. Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
2. Nate Irving LB NC State
3. Ahmad Black S Florida
4. Austin Pettis WR Boise State
5. Stevan Ridley RB LSU
7. special teams coverage demon

by Shankdiddy on Feb 21, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

and that is supposed to make me feel better?

Because Sanchez has been lighting the NFL on fire, right?

For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

Sanchez also got thrown into the fire right away and it’s tough to say where he would be right now if he had some time to sit on the bench and develop. Just an observation because I can’t for the life of me get a read on Sanchez and what he’s going to be.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Feb 22, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

IF his work ethic and background check out and IF he is available when we pick, I just think we have to take him. He is the most talented player I’ve ever seen. If he has a decent head on his shoulders, then we can’t pass him up.

by CBATL32 on Feb 21, 2011 2:55 PM EST reply actions

I bet he can even sack a QB better than Maybin!

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

Current song recommendation: Ween "Mr. Richard Smoker"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 21, 2011 3:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

honestly. that may actually be true. this makes me sad

by boomsauce on Feb 21, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Me too.

"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Feb 21, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

you ever see the game where

he had like a 30 yard TD reception?

"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-

by billsoferie on Feb 21, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Nope. But that wouldn’t surprise me. Did he throw it to himself, ala Brad Johnson?

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

Current song recommendation: Ween "Mr. Richard Smoker"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 21, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

absolutely epic play

MAYBE this will break the mold , we need to come to play sunday and this year we will not SURRENDER TO KNOW ONE THIS IS BUFFALOOO Godzilla nation
-abayarde

by uPitt_BillsFan on Feb 22, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions

Off Field Issues

I know the biggest thing that many people are concerned about are the off field issues. I read an interesting article in PFT, where Warren Moon talked up Newton (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/20/warren-moon-advises-cam-newton-to-face-up-to-his-past/).

What I found most interesting was the part where he talked about Newton say,

"His work ethic is so unbelievable that, if anything, you have to try to slow him down and keep him from doing too much. You see how much he wants to work at getting better, not just on the field, but in the classroom, studying film."

To me, that is the most important part of an NFL QB. Do they have the dedication off the field to learn the playbook, to learn the reads, to study the defense. That is where games are won and lost. How many times have you read this player or that player saying they made the pass, or jumped a route because of what they saw on film. I’ve said this before, and I’ll continue to say it; NFL Qb’s are professionals, and you don’t become a professional at anything overnight. You have to learn and practice to be a profession. No surgeon could perform a knee replacement without a lot of studying and practice, and no NFL QB can read a defense without a lot of studying and practice. You don’t have to be able to read NFL defenses in college, you have to have the ability to LEARN how to do it. If Newton is this dedicated, I don’t think he will have a problem learning how to play in the NFL.

by Eric Murawski on Feb 21, 2011 3:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I think people are concerned with his motives. Will he work that hard until he gets the big payday, or until he retires, following a long successful career in the NFL?

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

Current song recommendation: Ween "Mr. Richard Smoker"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 21, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully with a rookie cap, he wont be working for just that first deal

by NotReadytoRock on Feb 21, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

I think your right. Thats why we all hope/pray that Buddy/Chan figure that out too.

by Eric Murawski on Feb 21, 2011 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

learning....

yes, but ability to learn means more than the desire, your brain needs to be wired correctly with things like wide vision, superfast desicion making skills and more……
does he have that? hard to say……

gobills!

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

If the Bills were to draft him, I think we’d have a better situation that the raiders or titans with russell and young in which newton will be able to sit and learn from a true leader for a few years

by NotReadytoRock on Feb 21, 2011 3:48 PM EST reply actions

If he's a #3 pick....

the pressure will be huge to play him…..especially without the defensive stud we didn’t draft at 3….

gobills!

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

People say “oh, he needs at least a few years” or “let him learn behind fitz”. At most, I see him sitting one year- no longer than that. It’s a win-now league, and even with Nix’s “I’m-not pressured-by-public-opinion” attitude, I don’t see him sitting for too long.

"When I came here, I didn't know anybody, ... I wanted to see what true Buffalonians are like. And so I met them, and they're just like me - just very, very real people. They're not fake or phony. They're not fluff."
-J.P Losman

by freddy22 on Feb 21, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions

Johnny Red, neat... and Cam Newton

DO IT! Do it Buddy…. do it

Go Bills because I'm a blind homer... sort of

by killascript on Feb 21, 2011 3:56 PM EST reply actions

If Cam Newton isn't a first round pick

I’ll eat my fedora.

Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?
When it's too tough for them -- it's just right for us!
- Marv Levy

by Hoborg on Feb 21, 2011 3:57 PM EST reply actions

Where did you read that he wouldn't be?

by freddy22 on Feb 21, 2011 5:22 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting

I remember all the Eric DeCosta love around here. Pretty cool that he agrees. Of course, you can’t really tell who’s speaking truth and who’s playing poker. But as you said, he isn’t drafting in a spot anywhere close enough to get a chance at Cam. So maybe there is something to DeCosta’s statement. If so, his endorsement is enough for me.

Newton at #3. Anything else would be less civilized.

by DJ O on Feb 21, 2011 3:58 PM EST reply actions

Something like hyping him up so that he’s selected before the Ravens thereby ensuring one more talented prospect the Ravens actually have a use for falls to their pick? That’s what I’m reading from this.

1) AJ Green [WR - Georgia] 2) Cameron Heyward [DE - Ohio St.] 3) Colin Kaepernick [QB - Nevada] 4) Casey Matthews [ILB - Oregon] 5) Owen Marecic [FB - Stanford]

by NordicBillsfan on Feb 21, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

yep..rec'd

For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

why?

I think it’s pretty clear Cam is getting picked well before the Ravens pick… and either way, do you really think an NFL would take a player based on another teams assessment of him that they made public?

by astrazz2 on Feb 21, 2011 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

IM not a fan of newton but if nix is thats good enough for me as i AM a fan of nix

every move nix and gailey have made so far has helped this team yes even the kelsey deal helped this team

where oh where has aaron maybin gone oh where can he be
was picked so high and not one has seen oh where can maybin be
seriously where the hell is he ?

by Gpluehri on Feb 21, 2011 4:00 PM EST reply actions

aww go on.....

that’s just silly……other than hiring gailey (who really can coach offense) I can’t think of anything really helpful…..

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

cut edwards doesnt make stupid trades doesnt get suckered into bad deals

active waiver wire adds always trying to improve the team

where oh where has aaron maybin gone oh where can he be
was picked so high and not one has seen oh where can maybin be
seriously where the hell is he ?

by Gpluehri on Feb 21, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

oh c'mon....

signs rt green, from the raiders a nfl laughingstock to 3mill/yr. – gets almost no help from his top 3 very high draft picks and they don’t show much in the way of potential (they may have it, but didn’t really show much), goes into year with edwards as his number 1 qb, (did he really believe something was there?) gets nearly no help for us free agent-wise (not even counting the green viasco) and he handled marshawn situation poorly… the first 4 things on the list, I think, are really, really bad.

I really shouldn’t have been so forward, sorry…..

- a realist

gobills!

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

gets almost no help from his top 3 very high draft picks

I keep hearing this, especially about Spiller.

When will people realize CJ WASN’T DRAFTED TO START?

goes into year with edwards as his number 1 qb, (did he really believe something was there?)

Yes — as would anyone who was forced to look at JP the previous four years.

he handled marshawn situation poorly…

Getting a fourth round pick in exchange for a back who was an oft off-field problem was “handling it poorly”?

a realist

No, a pessimist.

All I’m going to say is this:

Someday, the Bills will start winning, and winning consistently. I dunno if that will be this year, the next, or the year after, but it WILL happen.
And when it does, most Bills fans will be overjoyed.
But, for some others — the so-called “realist” fans — It’ll be the WORST day of your lives.
Because, you’ll no longer be able to claim the Bills aren’t winning because they’re not following your suggestions.
You’ll no longer be able to say “It’s all Ralph’s fault” “It’s all Buddy’s fault” “It’s all Chan’s fault” “It’s all [insert name here] fault” . . .

by go_buff on Feb 21, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

Because we all want our favorite team to keep failing. That makes sense.

by Philaster on Feb 21, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

"CJ WASN’T DRAFTED TO START"

Really??!? Is that why they said he’s such a great playmaker, and will INSTANTLY make us a better team..

"Ability without character will lose. The Bills are going to be a team of high character. That stamp I will push very hard. I hope we can convey that to our fans and project something very special to the rest of the nation." - Marv Levy

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Feb 21, 2011 7:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

funny isn't it.....I just stopped reading after that

For my own personal sanity, I am officially banning myself from reading/saying anything about Cam Newton.... starting the day after the Bowl game until the start of the combine.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

by Joe P. on Feb 21, 2011 9:16 PM EST up reply actions

go_buff....

I said…..gobills!

geesh!

gobills!

by podunkowego on Feb 21, 2011 11:54 PM EST up reply actions

I doubt the 2010 draft was meant to be an instant impact draft. More of a in 2-3 years when we are ready to compete these guys will be hitting their stride and we wont have to worry about them. Gaining experience seems to get zero credit around here. I’d bet the bulk of the NFL is made up of under the radar picks that develop into if not great then solid players you don’t have to worry about. These guys are in the early 20’s they may be near peaking physically but mentally they still need time. In this case its add on to their knowledge base of college football and learn to play the game at a whole other level. Frankly I’m happy with last years draft much more of an impact and we might have won another game or two and continued to pick in the 10-11 range we needed to bottom out and get a high pick.

by Robot Nixon on Feb 21, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

rec'd.

also, you need a profile pic. I suggest the following…

1) AJ Green [WR - Georgia] 2) Cameron Heyward [DE - Ohio St.] 3) Colin Kaepernick [QB - Nevada] 4) Casey Matthews [ILB - Oregon] 5) Owen Marecic [FB - Stanford]

by NordicBillsfan on Feb 21, 2011 10:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs