Carolina Panthers Pick Cam Newton No. 1; Was He the Right Choice?

Despite the division between players and owners the NFL Draft went on as scheduled. The first player drafted was Cam Newton, quarterback, out of Auburn winner of the Heisman Trophy. The Carolina Panthers took him bringing Newton's size and talents to a sorry team. Cam Newton looks to start right away which is bad news for Jimmy Clauson.

Jonathan Tamari has posted an article titled "Cam Newton is first in NFL draft."

The Carolina Panthers entered the 2011 draft with issues on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line is nothing like it was when Julius Peppers played for them. Their secondary is weak, and they need outside linebackers to compliment the dominant Jon Beason. Offensively, they have line issues, their star running back is coming off the IR and Steve Smith isn't getting any younger. Panther management didn't seem to care, though. For all their problems, quarterback was just as pressing to them.

With the first overall pick of the 2011 draft, the Carolina Panthers surprised no one taking Newton. Newton led the Auburn Tigers to an undefeated BCS championship-winning season. As far as physicality goes, he's the complete package. He stands tall in the pocket at 6-foot-5 and weighs in at strong 248 pounds. He is a double-threat to run or pass.

In the long term, however, there are questions, characters. Newton was found guilty of stealing a computer from a student and there were incidents of cheating. Will he be able to stay focused on football with a $30 million signing bonus in his lap?

If I were Carolina, I would have put my trust in one the two young quarterbacks already on my roster, instead focusing on upgrading my defense with a game changing addition to my front seven, either Von Miller (outside linebacker, Texas A&M) or Marcell Dareus (defensive tackle, Alabama).

Carolina is now faced with the ultimate coaching test-the raw, undeveloped quarterback, with tremendous upside due to extreme physical ability, but bogged down by mechanical issues. Whether or not the issues can be fixed remains to be seen, but I believe Cam Newton is a project. If Carolina can work with him, support him, and upgrade the talent around him, and he can stay healthy and out of trouble, he may be able to prove all the critics (including myself) wrong.

Reference:

Philly.com Sports Website, Jonathan Tamari, "Cam Newton is first in NFL draft"