Panthers fans were hoping for some last minute change of heart or perhaps for owner Jerry Richardson to sway Hurney from drafting Newton, but alas Newton is the guy.
Now while this will remain a controversial pick for years to come, we all have to remember that there were no sure-fire franchise quarterbacks in this draft and if Blaine Gabbert’s draft day slide was not indication enough of his media created hype…well I don’t know what is.
A.J Green and Patrick Peterson still would have made a ton of sense for the Panthers but you have to applaud GM Marty Hurney’s willingness to take a risk on a player that could become something very special in the NFL.
Lets remember Newton had a more sensational college career than Michael Vick and if he can adjust to taking snaps under center the sky is truly the limit for him.
Newton’s scrambling ability will immediately make everyone around him better by opening up running lanes for Jonathan Stewart and helping his receivers out by forcing opposing defenses to commit at least one defender as a spy option and to focus more on the rush on nearly every play.
Now that he is a Panther we should all give Newton a chance and perhaps even watch some of his electrifying tape.
Cam Newton is a boom or bust pick in the truest sense of the phrase.
Lets all hope for the boom.
Fantasy Analysis:
Cam Newton will likely not be the week one starter but with the amount of money they will likely have to invest in him he will be starting by seasons end.
He is an intriguing dynasty league option as if he pans out he could be an even more explosive, better passing version of Michael Vick…if he busts he is Tavaris Jackson.
With Steve Smith on his way out of Carolina, management must do what they can to find Newton a true number one receiver.
Cam Newton has legit 20-10 upside if he takes a hold of the starting job from week one.
Jonathan Stewart will benefit from playing with Cam Newton as his home-run hitting scrambling presence in the backfield will open up lanes for his running back.
Jonathan Stewart was already heading for a major fantasy upgrade with DeAngelo Williams likely on his way out of town, and now with Newton in town his fantasy stock has risen even further.
We will do a more thorough analysis once the free agency period has begun and we know who will be playing where.
