Did Blaine Gabbert Take a Shot At Cam Newton?

Blaine Gabbert conducts an interview
at the NFL combine on Friday. - Photo
courtesy of AP/Darron Cummings

Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton are at the top of almost every NFL Draft analysts board as the top quarterbacks available in this year's NFL draft.

Both Juniors are big, athletic quarterbacks with huge arms.

The difference between the two, besides a Heisman Trophy, also would lie in their career approach. 

Earlier this week, Newton made headlines when he told Peter King of Sports Illustrated that his goal was to become an "entertainer" and an "icon."

On Friday, Gabbert may have jabbed back at Newton and moved himself up some of NFL teams draft boards in the process. 

"The best thing about me is I love the game of football," Gabbert said. "That's been my goal — to only do football. I'm going to be in the film room, going to be in the weight room, preparing as hard as possible."

Smart move by Gabbert.

While Newton takes heat for his comments, which were absurd considering he hasn't even been drafted or thrown an NFL pass, Gabbert is quietly positioning himself.

Rather than look like a quarterback that is worried about himself, Gabbert is posturing that he will be a team first quarterback, focused on winning and his own development on the football field.

While Gabbert's comment might seem like a shot at Newton, its actually brilliant because it positions him as a more cerebral quarterback.

Gabbert doesn't have the athleticism or high profile of Cam Newton or even of Jake Locker.

But he might just be able to work his way into being the first quarterback taken in the draft.

And he's even using his wit to help.