Auburn junior quarterback Cam Newton - who will hold a media-only workout today in San Diego - is currently rated as the best available prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft by at least six different teams, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsiders.net.
Yes, you read that correctly. Not quarterback. Prospect. Writes Pauline: "All had Newton rated clearly higher than Da'Quan Bowers, Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus and competing signal caller Blaine Gabbert."
This should not surprise anyone here, even after giving Newton's well-publicized off-field issues and perceived character risks their due consideration. Newton is an incredibly gifted player at football's most important position. For some team picking early, he will become a worthwhile gamble - perhaps as soon as No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. Yes - you should count the Buffalo Bills among those possible destinations, as well. It would be foolish not to.
Pauline also reports the identity of one team that has been digging very hard into Newton as a prospect. That team is the Miami Dolphins.
Get used to hearing Newton's name, Bills fans.