Cam Newton (QB, NE) - 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~250 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~189

ANALYSIS: Cam Newton is being drafted as the QB32 right now. Two big reasons for that: first, Cam Newton is viewed as an injury risk and fantasy managers are baking that concern into their drafting right now, even though he played 15 of 16 games last year. Second, the Patriots spent a first-round pick on Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.

I'd expect the Patriots to at least start the year with Newton at quarterback. Let's not forget that last season, Newton started 15 games and had 12 rushing touchdowns. He only threw for eight touchdowns, which was by far his worst mark over a full season, with his previous low being 18. But even with a one-game absence because of COVID (and potentially some lingering aftereffects considering he had five interceptions in the two games after he returned) and that low touchdown number, Newton's rushing ability helped make him the QB16.

New England added some weapons for Newton. Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne come over at wideout, but the big impact is at tight end, as they added Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Suddenly, there are two really good tight ends to help Newton move the chains and to increase his effectiveness when he's down in the red zone and isn't quite close enough to the end zone to barrel his way in for a rushing score.

The Patriots made a lot of strides offensively to build a team that'll pass the ball better than in 2020. Add in Newton's rushing upside and cross your fingers that he stays healthy and you have a really high ceiling for a guy being drafted as the QB32 right now.

UPDATE: Cam Newton was released by the Patriots as they're going with rookie Mac Jones as their starter. Newton will have to take his talents elsewhere this year, and he might be having to settle for a backup job somewhere. The Cowboys have reportedly shown interest.

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