In his 32-part series, Former Eagles QB Ron Jaworski is ranking every 'starting' QB from the 2011 season. Working from #32 down to #1, Jaws ranks Newton at #15 (one spot ahead of Alex Smith). You can read Pat Yasinskas' article about it below: (Jaworski's series is a TV segment on ESPN, and I could not find a direct link to the video).

Jaws' QB Countdown

Here are some of the key-points from Jaws' analysis:

From a skill-set standpoint, Newton could easily rank higher than 15 on my big board. He's a top-10 talent. He needs more snaps. One year is not enough. But I can't wait to see him in a few months.

No one is a great quarterback in the NFL because of the way they run. While Cam Newton is certainly a spectacular athlete, that's not why he's No. 15 on my big board after his rookie season. He played very well from the pocket. I saw it Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. This was the second series of the game. It was 3rd and 7. Newton recognized the blitz, and he changed the protection to account for it...

...What also stood out was Newton's patience in the pocket and his ability to sit on his back foot and cut it loose. He made seam throws that were firm and required arm strength, yet demanded touch...

...Newton hung in the pocket and delivered without flinching. He was very good in the eye of the storm. This kid is a big-time talent. He still needs more experience, but the traits are there to be a special passer. It starts with passing, but his ability to break down the defense with his legs gives him an edge like few have ever had.

Do you think the #15 ranking is fair? Should he be in the top 10? Remember, this ranking, as I understand it, is based on what the QBs did during the 2011 season.

This topic may have been a popular one in the past, and the discourse may have gotten a little rough, so let's just try to have a calm, civil discussion about where we think Newton should be, shall we? Don't forget to vote in the poll, as well.

Tip of the hat to Panther Fan in GA for the fanshot he posted yesterday.