NFL Rookie of the Year 2011 Predictions: Cam Newton Is Absolute Lock for Award

The Rookie of the Year Award for the 2011-12 NFL season will be announced on February 4 at the new NFL Honors ceremony.

There is no point in even waiting to find out who will win, because it would be incredulous for Cam Newton not to bring home the hardware.

Just look at his numbers for starters.

The No. 1 overall draft pick threw for 4,051 yards (rookie record), ran for 706 yards, tossed 21 touchdowns and punched in 14 more (QB record) on the ground.

He was the first player in the great history of this league to throw for more than 4,000 yards and run for 500. He was also the first to pass for 500 yards and score 10 rushing touchdowns.

He was elected to his first of many foreseeable Pro Bowls this season as well.

The young man out of Auburn is revolutionizing the position and helping to turn the Carolina Panthers from a doormat into a contender.

It’s not his fault the defense was one of the shoddiest units in the league and could not stop anyone on the ground.

The Heisman Trophy winner improved the team by four wins as a rookie and played tight games against the Packers and Saints. Had the defense not given up so many points, Carolina easily could have been a playoff contender.

With that said, it’s hard to imagine anyone else possibly winning the ROY Award.

The only legitimate competition Newton could potentially be facing is from Andy Dalton.

The “Red Rifle” threw for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns this season and led the Cincinnati Bengals back into the postseason.

No one expected the second-round pick to be an immediate star, but he managed his games well and did what was necessary to put the team in position to win.

Still, he did not have the record-breaking season that Newton did and therefore is a long-shot to actually win.

Newton is the clear-cut choice and will be honored for his accomplishments on Saturday night.