CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An argument can be made that before the 2015 season, quarterback Cam Newton was the third-best draft pick in Carolina Panthers history behind wide receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Not anymore.
Here’s why Newton is the best draft pick in team history: Newton was the NFL Rookie of the Year after Carolina selected him with the first pick of the 2011 draft. He broke rookie quarterback records for rushing and passing yards. This past season, he led the Panthers to an NFL-best 15-1 regular-season record and ultimately the Super Bowl.