SCBusPilot 72 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Cam da Man! A player lockout was supposed to limit the immediate impact made by 2011 first-round draft picks. Instead, the bar is now set high for the incoming selections of 2012. Despite not having the luxury of offseason programs because of the NFL’s labor strife, a 32-member class led by Carolina quarterback Cam Newton far exceeded expectations as a whole. Even those players who were injured or struggled learning the ropes will have the chance for redemption in their second seasons. Here is a look back at last year’s first-round choices and their status entering the 2012 campaign. -- Alex Marvez 1. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers - Expectations coming in: The NFL lockout and having only one season of starting experience at Auburn made it appear that Newton would be in over his head as a rookie starter.How’d he do?: Newton turned conventional wisdom on its head. He set NFL rookie records for passing yards (4,051), quarterback rushing yards (706) and overall touchdowns with 35 (21 passing, 14 running). Those efforts earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. What’s next?: Although Newton is a dangerous runner, the Panthers will continue to develop Newton’s passing and recognition skills in the pocket. Newton already started doing a better job minimizing turnovers as his rookie campaign progressed, throwing only three interceptions in Carolina’s final six games compared to 14 in the first 10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McWeagle 4 Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Cam da Man! A player lockout was supposed to limit the immediate impact made by 2011 first-round draft picks. Instead, the bar is now set high for the incoming selections of 2012. Despite not having the luxury of offseason programs because of the NFL’s labor strife, a 32-member class led by Carolina quarterback Cam Newton far exceeded expectations as a whole. Even those players who were injured or struggled learning the ropes will have the chance for redemption in their second seasons. Here is a look back at last year’s first-round choices and their status entering the 2012 campaign. -- Alex Marvez 1. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers - Expectations coming in: The NFL lockout and having only one season of starting experience at Auburn made it appear that Newton would be in over his head as a rookie starter.How’d he do?: Newton turned conventional wisdom on its head. He set NFL rookie records for passing yards (4,051), quarterback rushing yards (706) and overall touchdowns with 35 (21 passing, 14 running). Those efforts earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. What’s next?: Although Newton is a dangerous runner, the Panthers will continue to develop Newton’s passing and recognition skills in the pocket. Newton already started doing a better job minimizing turnovers as his rookie campaign progressed, throwing only three interceptions in Carolina’s final six games compared to 14 in the first 10. Best stat of them all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin5 20 Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Man, that first round had some serious talent. Very few busts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandstone 0 Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Too early to call any of them busts anyway, but yes...very good talent. Add Andy Dalton in there from the 2nd too...he'll be the Cincy QB for the next decade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleReedle 14 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Cam obviously lived up to the hype, Nick Fairley not so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandstone 0 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Nick battled the foot injury much of the season. And he's battled being lazy and immature for most of his football career. The foot will heal, I'm not certain about the rest (as evidenced by his behavior this offseason). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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