Spread Offense vs Pro Style Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft

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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass under pressure from Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Bottom Line

Cam Newton is the first Spread quarterback to use the Spread and have sustained success in the NFL. When he came out, the NFL didn’t know quite what to do with him. He’s 6’6″, 260 pounds so he stayed healthy, missing two games in his five completed years in the NFL.

And while the NFL figured out how to deal with the Spread, Newton figured the NFL game out. So now, he’s about as dangerous a dual-threat quarterback as there is in league. You’re not a real dual-threat quarterback unless you can function as a pocket passer too.

Newton is a rare bird as Kaepernick and RGIII seem to have flamed out after having brief success. They both had some issues trying to adapt to the NFL game. But a good portion of their struggles have to be attributed to injuries.

Smith and Tannehill are starting to do pretty well for themselves as pocket passers but it took a while. Every year, when there is a top pro style prospect and a top Spread prospect, pro style wins. The first round is about immediate impact.

So if your team needs a quarterback in the draft, pro style is the safer bet.

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