2011 NFL Draft Results: Cam Newton Doesn't Solve Carolina's Current Problems

It is fairly obvious that the Cam Newton selection as the first overall pick in the NFL draft was not for the benefit of the Panther's current season, if there is to be one that is. He was selected because he has an exceptional upside, and potentially game-changing facets to his skill set that few players in recent memory possess.

He has great height for the position, he's fast, he has a good arm and is reportedly a good leader according to those at Auburn. What Newton is not, however, is pro-ready for the 2011-12 NFL season.

Which begs the question: If Newton is for the future, what if the Panthers get the No. 1 overall pick next season?

It would seem that no other team is as dire as the Panther's current cast looks, not to mention with top receiver Steve Smith soon to depart in free agency. In my opinion, Jimmy Clausen's struggles were at least accentuated by the lack of a solid supporting cast from his offensive line, and Newton will have the same problems in the near future.

Some would additionally contend that no rookie quarterback could have had much more success than Clausen did with the tools at his disposal. The primary question with Clausen coming into the previous season was his attitude, not with his play, as is the case with Newton, although he has his own personal troubles.

So if we assume that Clausen and Newton struggle through the season and Carolina once again has the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, do they select Andrew Luck? It would seem absurd that the Panthers choose their third quarterback from the top 40 picks in as many drafts but it could happen, and stranger things have indeed happened in the draft. Looking at the roster the Panthers have, there is very little that could be done to improve their record, and I would contend that whatever Cam Newton contributes this season, it will be rendered insignificant by the rest of the team's woes.

Anyone looking at what the Panthers have to offer for this season might agree that they will be a certainty for the first three picks, even with a talent like Cam Newton. So why take him, if he doesn't immediately turn things around? By definition isn't that what the first overall pick is supposed to do?