Carolina Panthers Cam Newton addresses QB draft selection

Carolina Panthers Cam Newton not intimidated by quarterback draft selection.

For the first time in eight years, the Carolina Panthers drafted a player at the quarterback position. Ending 2010 with just two wins, coach John Fox saw his nine year career with the Panthers come to a close. Then owner Jerry Richardson elected to move in another direction, bringing in Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney made Cam Newton the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft.

Newton immediately made his impact evident in professional football. Not only did he collect offensive Rookie of the Year, but he’s also gone on to win an NFL MVP award while leading Carolina through arguably their greatest stretch in franchise history.

As quarterback, the Panthers have made the playoffs four times – won the division on three occurrences and reached the second Super Bowl in team history. On the heels of fifteen regular season victories, Carolina nearly brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Charlotte for the first time ever.

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Unfortunately, recent injuries have raised concern over how long Newton can maintain his high level of play for the Panthers. Last year, after being replaced twice in favor of backup options to attempt long passes, Newton was eventually shut down completely. Undergoing a second shoulder surgery in less than three years time, his future appears a bit shady.

Unable to wait any longer, Hurney picked another quarterback during the third round of this year’s draft – Charlotte native Will Grier. The former West Virginia standout has a solid track record and versatile skill set but Newton is not intimidated. In fact, he welcomes the addition of another signal caller and aims to prepare everyone to perform their best on game day.

As the Panthers captain and leader, nothing less would be expected, and Newton shouldn’t fear his position is in jeopardy or worry about being outplayed at this point. However, his health should be priority number one and so long as he isn’t risking any long-term damage then there’s really no doubt who will be under center when the regular season begins.

All the selection of Grier did was add to the competition behind Newton and potentially allow for him to develop as a replacement at some point in the future.