The Carolina Panthers are on the NFL draft clock and as far as Jon Gruden is concerned, the suspense is over. "I think Cam Newton's the best player in the country,'' the former coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said Friday afternoon after leading the former Auburn quarterback through passing drills at the University of South Florida. "I agree with the Heisman Trophy people that gave him the award. He's got everything I'm looking for.'' At Gruden's command, Newton fired tight spirals that proved difficult to handle for some of his receivers. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound prospect also lofted several deep sideline passes right on target. Newton's film session in Gruden's office and his workout at USF were filmed by ESPN as part of a one-hour special that will air April 21, a week before the draft. "I love being around these players,'' said Gruden. "I miss coaching, but this is as close as it gets. We've had most of the top quarterback prospects here in the last few weeks. There are three juniors, Newton, (Blaine) Gabbert and (Ryan) Mallett, who, if they had stayed in school, may be a little more polished, but these are physically talented people. I think Andy Dalton (TCU) and Jake Locker (Washington) have some real upside as well.'' Source: Tampa Tribune
Brad Johnson Rob Johnson Shaun King Chris Simms Brian Griese Bruce Gradkowski Tim Rattay Jeff Garcia Luke McCown A list that would strongly suggest that his judgement on QB's is something you shouldn't take home to the bank.
Nice list Andy. Gruden for some reason gets credit as a QB guru. No idea why. However, he gets partial credit for working with Favre and then he had Rich Gannon in his prime. The only two positives in that list and frankly, Gruden had little to nothing to do with either of those guys being evaluated or developed. Fraud.
I hate hearing Gruden get credit for Gannon, it's ridiculous. It's not like Rich Gannon was some worthless scrub that magically transformed overnight, he was already a highly regarded player who had always been effective when healthy and given playing time. Once he got a legit full-time gig and was surrounded by one of the better passing offenses in recent history.he blew up, how freaking shocking. Gruden gets the credit for....I don't know what. Al brought Gannon in, he made Gruden start him, he gave him all the pieces...
everyone wants to crown everyone a "guru". Gruden loves to hear himself talk. On sunday night football everyone mentioned is a beast, heck of a football player, or a hard worker. I began doing what I did when Madden was on, turn down the sound and turn up the radio.
Not to mention everyone of those beasts, hard workers and heck of a football players are referred to as "this guy."
He basically blows every player he talks about, whether its Newton or some random back up tight end. It was disgusting to listen to in the Orange Bowl coverage.
