Carolina Panthers: 5 best draft picks of all-time

2. Cam Newton, Quarterback (Round 1, Pick 1, 2011)

Man, the 2011 NFL Draft was absolutely stacked. All of the first seven picks from that draft, and nine of the first 11, have made a Pro Bowl. The Panthers were lucky enough to have the No. 1 pick in that draft and they used it to take the future of their franchise, Auburn Tigers quarterback Cam Newton —you may have heard of him from last year’s MVP-winning season.

After winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy with Auburn, there was really no denying the talent of Newton. However, there were plenty of questions surrounding his character. These mostly stemmed from his dismissal from the Florida Gators program early in his college career, and and an NCAA eligibility and pay-for-play scandal. However, the Panthers still had no bones about taking Cam with the No. 1 overall pick.

Obviously that’s a decision that they’re more than fine with at this point. Newton is one of the most dynamic and unstoppable forces in the league, and almost led Carolina to a Super Bowl victory last season with his biggest receiving weapon out of action. He’s a special type of talent and the Panthers deserve credit for having the guts to ignore the bad press and make the selection.

Next: No. 1 Steve Smith