NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Carolina Panthers Select Cam Newton First Overall

It didn't come as much of a surprise when the Carolina Panthers selected Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Speculation leading up to the draft was nearly unanimous among experts and insiders—Newton would go No. 1 and become the face of a franchise desperately seeking an identity after a dismal 2010 season.

In choosing Newton, however, the Panthers rolled the dice on a high-risk, high-reward type player. Physically, Newton is one of the most impressive athletes in NFL draft history. He has a very rare mix of size (6'5", 250 pounds), strength and speed. And you cannot question his heart or desire to succeed. Cam Newton is a winner with a strong competitive fire.

But with all that talent and passion for the game, there is a tremendous lack of experience that has to be a concern. The Panthers are taking a huge risk on a guy who only served one year as a starter at Auburn. So he's had minimal reps. And he's only thrown something like 50 passes from the pocket, which is where NFL quarterbacks make their living.

Add to that a massive learning curve and it looks like it might be a long uphill battle for Newton.

In his post-draft presser, Newton talked about becoming the starting quarterback in Carolina, saying, "I don't know when that call is going to happen. But you know, each day I'm just going to go out and learn something about the whole offense."

Bottom line—the Panthers had a lot of needs after a 2-14 season. They certainly could've gone for a safer pick, like defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, but they chose to believe in the possibilities Cam Newton brings to the organization.

I can't fault them for that. And I'm not betting against Cam Newton.