Cam Newton not a top-10 quarterback according to ESPN

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton slighted in ESPN rankings…

Cam Newton impacted the NFL once he arrived as the franchise quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. Changing the game in terms of pocket passers, Newton has been an example for mobile quarterbacks who can both run and pass making opposing defenses accountable for his presence.

The 2011 Rookie of the Year, Newton immediately began setting records accumulating more passing yards than any other quarterback in his first two games (854). From then, the accolades and achievements have only mounted becoming the first NFL quarterback to accomplish a number of milestones in addition to setting numerous franchise records that will likely stand for quite some time.

A three time Pro Bowl nominee (2011, 2013, 2015) and first team All-Pro (2015), Newton also has a league MVP trophy and Offensive Player of the Year Award on his resume following one of the best seasons ever from any player in 2015.

Coupled with a new offensive coordinator and surrounded by arguably the most weapons he’s had at his disposal to date, another big season should be in store for Newton and the Panthers. Entering the year completely healthy, unlike last year, Newton has enjoyed a full training camp and preseason in order to prepare.

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Regardless, the “NFL’s 100 Best Players” from ESPN, a projection of who will be the top players this year, finds Newton at No. 63 over halfway down the list. Not only is he found outside the top half, but 10 other quarterbacks are projected to have better seasons than the Panthers signal caller.

The typical media love for Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) and Tom Brady (New England) continues as both rank No. 1 and No. 2 overall, respectively. But a few surprises like Carson Wentz (17), Matthew Stafford (35) and even Jimmy Garoppolo (62) all are considered to be in line for a more dominant season than Newton.

Wentz continues to split first-team reps with Nick Foles in Philadelphia, Stafford has been to one Pro Bowl in Detroit after nearly a decade and Garoppolo has started just seven NFL games – ever. Each may deserve to land on the list of top-100 players, but none should be considered higher than Newton.

View the full list of top-100 projections from ESPN here.