Pro Bowl Roster 2012: Cam Newton and Young Stars to Watch in Hawaii

Many established veterans passed on Pro Bowl invitations, but the 2012 rosters are still loaded with young talent.

From electrifying quarterbacks, to explosive playmakers, to ferocious defenders, there will be elite youngsters all over the field.

Here are the top three to keep your eye on.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton surpassed all expectations in his first year, putting up the best statistical season for a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

Newton threw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns, while finishing second in the league with 14 rushing touchdowns. His absurd athleticism was on full display, but more impressive was his understanding of the game.

Newton showed the patience, confidence and leadership ability that you rarely see out of a young quarterback. He needs to take better care of the ball (17 interceptions in 2011), but that will come with time.

Newton is a unique talent and there's no limit to what he can accomplish in the NFL.

Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow got all the headlines, but Von Miller was the true catalyst behind Denver's success. 

The man who was picked directly after Cam Newton registered 64 tackles, two forced fumbles and 11.5 sacks (9th in NFL).

During the Broncos much-hyped five game winning streak, Miller was a force. He recorded 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks over that stretch.

Unfortunately, Miller suffered a thumb injury late in the season. Not so coincidentally, the Broncos began losing again, dropping four of their last five games.

Miller is healthy now, and I expect him to wreak havoc on the NFC offense.

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

As good as Newton and Miller were, A.J. Green was equally impressive in his rookie campaign.

The Georgia product caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns, while helping lead Cincinnati to a 9-7 regular season record. He was ineffective in the Bengals 31-10 playoff loss, but he'll learn from the performance.

Green should be right at home in the Pro Bowl, as he'll be catching passes from fellow rookie and Bengals teammate Andy Dalton.

Don't be surprised if the young guns connect on at least one touchdown tonight.