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Panthers make Cam Newton first pick in NFL draft

BCS Championship Football

Auburn’s Cam Newton celebrates with fans after beating Oregon 22-19 in the BCS National Championship NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

AP

Cam Newton is headed to Carolina as the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Newton, the Heisman Trophy-winning Auburn quarterback, has just become the most important player on a franchise that desperately needs a star.

Although he’s one of the most controversial players in college football history -- and was booed by the fans in Radio City Music Hall -- there’s no denying Newton’s talent: He’s a tremendous athlete who did things at Auburn that we’ve never seen a quarterback do.

Now the question is whether Newton can become a pro-style passer, and an NFL star.