Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers Rookie Is a Pro Bowl QB

From his controversial commitment to Auburn University to his freshman BCS title campaign and then the first half of his NFL career, the hype that has surrounded star-studded quarterback Cam Newton has been immeasurable.

Selected by the Carolina Panthers with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Newton has revitalized their offense with his playmaking ability, gun-slinging tendencies and rocket arm strength.

But even as illustrious of a rookie season that Cam Newton has had, is it Pro Bowl-worthy?

First, and foremost, let's look at the young QB's stats.

After 10 weeks of football, Newton ranks in seventh among NFL quarterbacks in passing yards with 2,605, fourth-best in the NFC only behind the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Eli Manning. Yet another impressive set of stats, Newton has rushed for 374 yards—second-best among QBs in the NFL behind only Michael Vick—and seven touchdowns, pound for pound with the best running backs in the league.

At 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions so far on the season, he still has much to learn, but is clearly taking strides in the right direction.

While his rookie counterpart, Andy Dalton, may have led the Cincinnati Bengals to more victories, thanks mostly to their defense's ability to make plays, Newton is the clear-cut candidate for Rookie of the Year. Both the emotional and field leader of the team, the young QB assumed a role that is years ahead of him.

Next, let's look at what he's done to the Carolina offense. 

Right now, the Panthers are fifth in the NFL in passing yards per game at 285.5; last year they were smack-last at 32nd. Newton's brought energy, passion and unmatched playmaking ability, not to mention a swagger like none other, to a losing franchise and has shown signs of turning the Carolina Panthers around.

And his running abilities have helped them jump up to eighth in the NFL in rushing yards as well. Even though they're 2-7, Newton's made the Panthers a relevant team in the NFL once again—something they haven't been since Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith made it to the Super Bowl XXXVII in 2004.

The Pro Bowl, like the NBA's All-Star Game, is for the NFL's most electrifying players to showcase their skills, and Cam Newton clearly fits the criteria. While he's got a long way to go before surpassing the likes of Rodgers or Brees, Newton is a clear third-string QB for the NFC in the Pro Bowl.

Barring a complete meltdown in the second half of the season, we'll be seeing the Panthers' rookie stud in white and blue in February.