2011 NFL Draft Results: The Carolina Panthers Make Perfect Pick with Cam Newton

With the first pick overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton, quarterback out of Auburn. It may have been the worst-kept secret in the 2011 NFL Draft, but it was the best move for the Carolina Panthers.

Here are the reasons why Newton was the best choice at No. 1 overall.

5. Forget the Past

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers is sacked by Brett Keisel #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers will have a new coach this season in Ron Rivera, and he wants to bring a new attitude to this team.

It all starts with a new beginning and forgetting the past.

The Panthers were a big loser in the draft a year ago, selecting a multitude of quarterbacks just to see all of them fail miserably.

Newton will help erase those painful memories and create new ones on the football field.

4. Energize the Fans

Opposition to this pick will suggest the Panthers had other holes to fill.

This may be true, but this pick will energize the fan base.

Fans will want to come out to see Newton play. He is an electric player on the field who can turn out great plays, and fans don’t get excited over picking a defensive tackle.

This pick was not exactly made in an attempt to pump up the fan base, but it is one helluva perk.

3. Time to Grow

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SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera of the San Diego Chargers looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 23, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Image

The Panthers still have a decent defense and running game that will allow Newton time to grow. Although he will be expected to be a starter soon, Rivera and the Panthers' front office know they have something special on their hands, and they don’t want to rush it.  

By trading off some key pieces and building around Newton, the Panthers will be playoff contenders sooner rather than later.

2. Up from Here

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Mike Goodson#33 of the Carolina Panthers loses a fumble in the second quarter after being hit by Thomas DeCoud #28 of the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Gett

The Panthers had the worst offense in the league last year, ranking rock-bottom in nearly every important statistical category.

Newton could just run the ball and be more productive than the Panthers were a year ago. This will set him up to be successful in his first year since his comparisons will be easy to achieve.

As a rookie, Jimmy Clausen had more than 1,500 yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions. Newton will easily surpass those numbers.

1. Playoff Bound?

The sky is the limit for Cam Newton. There is no doubt there will be a learning curve for him as there is for every rookie in his first year in the NFL, but the Panthers had to make this pick.

If Carolina passed on Newton and he turned out to be a success, they would have had nightmares for years. Instead, they picked one of the best players in this draft and will be remembered for making the right move.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].