Shortly following the end of the NFL lockdown, Thursday’s draft was absolutely not a let down. While I personally saw this coming, the end of the lockdown right before the draft, all in favor of the players, the draft still proved more exciting than those previous. First to go (first round, first pick) went to the Carolina Panthers took Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. The young quarterback shows incredible talent, athletic ability and arm strength. Coaches and fellow players all see Newton’s abilities as a good chance to open up the Panthers’ running game. One worry: Newton has a big ego and lacks humility, which may give him a hard time in truly leading his team, as a quarterback must. Also a top prospect, Julio Jones was taken in the first round as the sixth pick to the Atlanta Falcons. Hopefully, Jones will be able to give the Falcons explosion as well as aggression, as he is known as one of the most elite playmaking receivers in the draft. Contraire to Newton, Jones is known for his maturity, work ethic and preparation which all give him the pro-style mentality. This draft leaves viewers, fans, listeners, critics, players, owners, coaches and me questioning: which proves more successful, an athletically gifted prospect with an ego and lack of leadership (not allowing him to be respected by his team), or the good athlete with all the mental makings of a pro? Personally, I think that Jones will prove to be a great pick. While these two play opposite positions, I still believe that what Jones has can’t be taught, and that every athlete must attain it. Likewise, Newton’s strength is his athleticism, but there is always a time in an athlete’s career where athleticism stops working. This season is sure to be one of the more interesting, and let’s see how all the rookies show… these are just some ideas and I’m Just Kickin’ it Around.
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