2011 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Newton Will Be Starting Quarterback for Panthers

With all of the grandstanding that is being done from the efforts of the Panthers staff, there is little doubt that they will be drafting Cam Newton in the No. 1 position, making this the third year in a row that a quarterback has been drafted No. 1 overall.

The difference between this and last year’s No. 1 pick is that Sam Bradford did not have the character issues surrounding him that Newton has to face and silence. The questions of his actions while attending Florida are among the strongest when general managers and coaches are figuring him into their systems.

Even with the eyebrows raised from his Combine performance in the passing drills, Carolina may still pull the trigger early, especially when considering the fact that their only other option at the moment is Jimmy Clausen.

Everyone understands that he is not the guy for the Panthers and would work better as a backup.

Newton has the charisma and athleticism to be very successful in the NFL. However, there is a big debate on how quick it will take him to get acclimated to such a different system than he was in at Auburn University.

Newton’s ability to take snaps under the center is going to be one of the major deciders in his longevity as a starter and producer for the team. His strength almost makes you forget that a lot of his production comes from his feet and he needs to practice throwing to spots more so than throwing to his receivers.

In the NFL, the wide receivers are good enough to get to the spots they are supposed to. The quarterback’s job is not only to make sure it gets to their hands but that they have enough space after catching it to stay inbounds.

Cam Newton has minor issues with his accuracy when throwing just inside the sideline and is prone to overthrowing. He is "coachable" and with the only other option being Clausen, I am pretty sure the Panthers will snatch Newton up quickly to get him off the board as the overall No. 1 pick.