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NFL Draft: Greatest pick from each franchise’s history

By Hans Themistode

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a pass prior to the NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a pass prior to the NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Cam Newton
Cam Newton (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft: Greatest pick from each franchise’s history: Carolina Panthers, QB Cam Newton

Pick: 2011 NFL Draft, 1st round number 1 overall

Stats:

  • 31,698 passing yards
  • 190 passing touchdowns
  • 5,398 rushing yards
  • 70 rushing touchdowns

Awards:

  • 3 time Pro Bowler
  • 1 time MVP
  • 1 time First Team All-Pro

At only the age of 31, Cam Newton appears to be just about done as an elite NFL player. No longer can he stay healthy and the long bombs down the field seem to be a thing of the past. Even his ability to truck defenders on his way to the end zone seems to be gone.

With all of that said, at one point, Newton was the best player in the world.

It was a no-brainer decision for the Carolina Panthers to pick Newton with the number one overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was fresh off a season where he led Auburn to a National Championship and brought home the Heisman.

For most players, easing into their first pro game would seemingly be the best option. Newton though, isn’t most players. The young star simply smiled as he carved up the first two defenses he saw for over 400 yards. He easily walked away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and made his first Pro Bowl. Newton either pushed the ball down the field or left defenders in his dust with his legs.

He had several quality years, but 2015 was by far his best. Newton threw for just under 4,000 yards with 3,837 to go along with 35 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns and over 600 yards on the ground. He also carried the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance that year, although they would fall short against the Denver Broncos. An MVP award sits on Newton’s mantle due to his efforts but injuries and a never say die attitude abruptly ended his prime.

Still, considering how great he was for nearly a decade and it’s easy to see why Newton was the best draft pick in franchise history.

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