Cam Newton has been drafted No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Newton, a 6'6", 250-pound quarterback who was the unanimous top choice entering the draft, is coming off a stellar year with the Auburn Tigers, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Tigers to a BCS National Championship.
In 13 games last season, Newton completed 185-of-280 passes (66.1 completion percentage) and threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. In the championship game against Oregon, Newton was 20-for-34 for 265 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Auburn's 22-19 victory.
Not only did Newton excel under center, but also on the ground, rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns on 264 carries last season. Newton, who played with the Florida Gators in 2007 and 2008, finished his collegiate career with 2,908 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, as well as 1,586 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns.
Newton has been described as a project pick, considering that he is not fully developed in the pocket. However, most experts agree that Newton has a boatload of potential that could ultimately turn him into a star quarterback in the NFL.
For more on the New England Patriots and their draft, head over to Pats Pulpit. And for all things 2011 NFL Draft related, from the first pick to Mr. Irrelevant and everything in between, check out SB Nation's 2011 NFL Draft Hub and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft.