Wilson: Buffalo safety Mike Newton shines

University of Buffalo safety Mike Newton made a strong impression on NFL scouts during his campus Pro Day workout today, according to a league source.

Newton ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 and 4.48 seconds, also registering a 41-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot broad jump.

Per our source, the Indianapolis Colts displayed the most interest of the dozen teams that attended the workout. Also showing strong interest in Newton were the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints.

Newton, who registered 85 tackles and two interceptions last season as a second-team All-Mid-American Conference selection, has been projected as a sixth or seventh-round pick.

This workout could help boost his stock, though.

The 5-foot-10, 197-pounder's vertical leap was the same as USC standout Taylor Mays.

Newton also posted a 6.94 three-cone drill and a 4.17 20-yard shuttle.

His bench press numbers weren't very high with only nine repetitions of 225 pounds.

Also attending the workout: the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders.

Newton is the 11th-ranked safety on Wes Bunting's draft board.

Here's his scouting report on Newton:

Newton isn't flexible in his drop and struggles to keep his base down and his feet under him when asked to redirect. He gets too high in his backpedal, tends to drift in and out of his breaks and is slow to gather himself and close on the ball. Newton is at his best when asked to attack downhill at the line and close on the ball. He does a nice job wrapping up on contact. He's patient in space and breaks down well. However, he struggles to keep his base down and doesn't generate much power on contact. Newton is more of a straight-line athlete who possesses above average instincts and good run/pass recognition skills off the snap.

Grade: 5.5

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