The bandwagon for Cam Newton was overflowing after his victory in the BCS Title Game but the sturdy quarterback began hearing comparisons to much less talented players in the NFL. JaMarcus Russel’s name was unfairly brought up and Vince Young was also used as an example of what Newton could become.

NFL Draft boards began to adjust after the combine but there were still skeptics. Newton’s credibility came into question but no proof was provided that Newton attempted to get paid to play for Mississippi State, Auburn or Florida.

Newton has already begun to prove his critics wrong early in the season.The first regular-season game he played in was an example to the NFL of what a No. 1 NFL Draft choice can perform like if he receives the proper motivation.

Newton’s rise to prominence in the NFL is traced back to his junior college days after Newton got released from the Florida program. The move to junior college was huge ego blow to Newton but he did not let himself get down.

Newton used the opportunity to showcase his talents against the junior college players who did not have much football savvy. It was in junior college that Newton caught the eye of Auburn head coach Gene Chizik, and the rest is history. Newton is a success no matter happens in next 12 NFL games.

Make sure to check out all of the prop bets for both Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers at your favorite online sportsbook.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams are a team that looks ready to make a major leap. There aren’t many holes among their starters, but depth may be an issue. The team’s top two defensive tackles, Fred Robbins and Chris Hovan, are both at least 33 years old and there is no true star ready to replace them. Also, there is no depth behind running back Steven Jackson. With his bruising running style, he needs a change of pace back to spell him at times.

San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco has major question marks in their secondary. Cornerback Nate Clements is 31 and is owed a huge sum of money over the next four years even though his skills are vastly diminished. Both starting safeties will be fourth year free agents, so depending on the new collective bargaining agreement, they will be either restricted or unrestricted free agents. The team took CB/S Chris Culliver in the 3rd round but they might address these issues in free agency.

Seattle Seahawks: With the lack of free agency, it is hard to understand Seattle’s plan at the quarterback position. 35 year old Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent and the only other QB around is Charlie Whitehurst. The team decided not to get a quarterback in the draft, so it appears they will target someone like Kevin Kolb or Carson Palmer when the time comes. Also, defensive line depth is a problem because of the projected starting four, only one played more than 12 games last season. There isn’t too much talent behind them if the big guys go down.

Kansas City Chiefs: Much like the Broncos, the Chiefs need help on the inside of their defensive line. Playing in a base 3-4 but with a lot of 4-3 mixed in, the team doesn’t have that big run stuffer that can control the line. That is why their opponents ran all over them last year. Sixth round pick Jerrell Powe was the only defensive tackle they took in the draft.

Oakland Raiders: Once free agency begins, the prize of the class will be Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. With his likely impending departure, the team drafted a cornerback in rounds three and four. They may need some veteran help at the position though. Also, outside linebacker is a need. Finally, the team has to decide if Jason Campbell or Bruce Gradkowski is the answer at quarterback and if not, find a young one to groom.

San Diego Chargers: Statistically, the San Diego Chargers were the number one offense and defense in the NFL in 2010. A closer look though shows some areas that are a bit weak. The linebacking corps for the Chargers does not scare anyone, including third round pick Jonas Mouton. In addition, the safety spot has Eric Weddle and whole bunch of guys that are backups at best. The team should be able to score plenty of points, but stopping the opponent may be a problem this season.

Indianapolis Colts – The Colts did what they needed to in the draft, solidify their offensive line with their first two picks. The team is solid all the way around, so most of the improvements needed are more luxuries than necessities. A strong running back that can carry the ball 25 times a game would be nice for those cold weather games, and the secondary could also use some improvements. Some youth at defensive end may also be needed as Dwight Freeney is getting older.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Playing against Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub in a quarter of their games, Jacksonville also needs to improve in the secondary. They have been one of the worst teams against the pass over the last two years. They have upgraded their defensive line nicely, but they could legitimately have two rookies starting in the defensive backfield. That is not a good sign.

Tennessee Titans – The one thing the Titans need more than anything is a veteran quarterback. Jake Locker was selected to be the quarterback of the future, but if he is thrown in from day one, he will likely be eaten alive. Kerry Collins is the only veteran quarterback now, but he will likely be gone once the lockout is lifted. The team needs to sign a veteran, even just for this year, to give Locker a chance to learn and develop.

Carolina Panthers – After going 2-14 in 2010, it is obvious that the Panthers had a lot of holes to fill. They got their quarterback of the future in Cam Newton and tried to address their defensive line by taking two defensive tackles in the third round. Both of those players are nice, but neither is a dominant force, especially if the team moves to a 3-4 scheme as planned. Defensive end Charles Johnson may be gone via free agency which would cripple the line. In addition, safety play was awful last year but the team did not bring in anyone else to compete.

New Orleans Saints – New Orleans is definitely set on offense, especially with addition of running back Mark Ingram. Yet like most teams in their division, they need some help on defense, specifically at outside linebacker. The position is definitely in flux and the addition of third round pick Martez Wilson may not immediately help since he played inside in college. The two starters there are in contract talks, so we won’t know what will happen until free agency gets underway.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The defensive line has definitely been taken care of by the Bucs, who spent their first and second round picks on linemen in both 2010 and 2011. Now, the back end of the defense looks to be in some trouble. Cornerback Aqib Talib is in trouble with the law over firearms and may be cut or suspended. Opposite him, Ronde Barber is almost 100 years old (or somewhere around there). Tampa looks like they will definitely need help at corner once free agency starts.

Cincinnati Bengals – B+
The Bengals addressed two of their primary needs with their first two picks of wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton. With Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco likely out the door, this new duo should be the offensive leaders for years to come. Dontay Moch is a good pass rusher, but may be too small for the NFL and they didn’t really help their defensive line. Running back Jay Finley is great value in round seven.

Cleveland Browns – B
Cleveland did a good job of maneuvering around the draft in order to acquire more picks, most notably dropping down from number six to 27 in the first round and getting four additional picks in return. The team helped the defensive line a lot with their first two picks, but they could have used some help on the offensive line as well. Wide receiver Greg Little should be the deep threat the team was lacking.

Pittsburgh Steelers – A-
The quality drafting in the AFC central continued with the Steelers who focused most of their attention on linemen. First round pick Cameron Heyward adds youth to the defensive line and Marcus Gilbert should be a solid offensive tackle. They didn’t reach for big name skill players but built from the inside out, the hallmark of this blue collar squad.

Detroit Lions – B+
Detroit may not have addressed their specific needs, but were able to add very talented players with great value. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley could be a steal at number 13 overall, especially when paired with defensive rookie of the year Ndamukong Suh. Titus Young and Mikel LeShoure give the team some offensive pop. The issue is that the secondary and offensive line were almost totally disregarded. If the team can fill these holes in free agency, they should be in great shape.

Green Bay Packers – B
Even though the Packers had such a dynamic offense last year, they took players on that side of the ball with five of their first six picks. Derek Sherrod is a solid offensive tackle and something the team needed with their current tackles getting older. Running back Alex Green in the third round is some insurance in case Ryan Grant isn’t ready, and tight end D.J. Williams in the fifth round is a great pick. The only thing missing from their draft was pass rushing help, as Clay Matthews can’t be left to do it all.

Minnesota Vikings – C
The grade for this draft is based squarely on the production of quarterback Christian Ponder. Being taken at number twelve looks like a big reach, but if he has a good NFL career then this grade will be changed. Tight end Kyle Rudolph is a nice pick in round two, but not really a need. Christian Ballard can provide some depth on the defensive line with both Williams (Kevin and Pat) getting older. Addressing the offensive line earlier also might have been a good idea.

Miami Dolphins: B-
The Dolphins continued to invest in their offensive line by taking center Mike Pouncey in the first round. While it is not exciting, he should start from day one. The team traded three picks to move into the second round to select running back Daniel Thomas, the heir apparent if Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams leave. The quarterback position remains unimproved but they may pursue someone in free agency.

New England Patriots: C
Nobody can criticize the Patriots for not thinking ahead. They have prepared themselves well for the 2012 draft with two picks in the first and second rounds. But they may have whiffed on immediate help for a team that has Super Bowl expectations. Nate Solder will be a good fit at offensive tackle and they got some good value in cornerback Ras-I Dowling, but they failed to address their most pressing concern. They needed to boost their pass rush with an outside linebacker or defensive end and didn’t do it.

New York Jets: B
The Jets took care of getting younger on the defensive line by using their first two selections there. Muhammad Wilkerson from Temple may turn out to be a steal of the draft late in round one. They could have used an upgrade at outside linebacker but didn’t fill that need. This draft can’t really be judged until after free agency when we see if wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes will be back or not. If not, they will have some issues on the outside.

New York Giants: B
The Giants did a solid job of getting value with their picks, but they may not have filled their needs. Cornerback Prince Amukamara was rumored to be a top ten selection but fell to them at number 19. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin can be a disruptive force and wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan can fly. The offensive line could have used some help though and they waited a while before taking a linebacker. Tackling machine Greg Jones could be a steal in the sixth round though.

Philadelphia Eagles: B-
Philadelphia ended up selecting eleven players in this year’s draft, including offensive lineman Danny Watkins in round one. He looks to be more of a guard, but the team may try him out at tackle. Their next two picks should help out their secondary immediately, and their fourth round selection might produce quickly as well. With that pick, the Eagles grabbed the first kicker in the draft, putting 36 year old David Akers’ future in doubt.

Washington Redskins: C+
There is a lot of debate on the Redskins draft. They addressed almost all of their needs with the exception of quarterback. With free agency not yet started, it remains to be seen who will be under center this fall. The team’s first round selection, Ryan Kerrigan, looks to be a “tweener”. He was normally a defensive end but will need to make the transition to a standing up linebacker. Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson is a possible steal in round three with his big frame and strong hands. Trading up to get running back Roy Helu is a bit of a question mark.

A first team All-Big Ten selection, Clayborn is a powerful defensive end that can add a boost to the Falcons pass rush. He didn’t produce in his senior year like he did when he was a junior and had 11 sacks, but he is good value at this point in the draft.

28) New England Patriots – Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

The rich get richer as the Patriots grab another player with a ton of talent that can start right away. Matt Light may not return and the Pats would need a replacement for him. A mountain of a man at 6’7, he was the Outland award winner for best offensive lineman.

29) Chicago Bears – Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado

The Bears gave up the most sacks of any team in the league last year, so they will almost assuredly look to help their offensive line early in the draft. Solder is a solid value at number 29, coming in a 6’8 but needing to put on some more weight.

30) New York Jets – Akeem Ayers, Defensive End/Linebacker, UCLA

Ayers is a solid pass rushing linebacker/defensive end whose flexibility can be put to good use with the Jets. The team can never have enough playmakers on defense and gets even stronger with this pick. He slid down this far because of poor combine and pro day workouts, but his game tape should be enough proof of what he can do.

31) Pittsburgh Steelers – Aaron Williams, Defensive Back, Texas

The Steelers have a strong all around team without any dire areas of need. With that luxury, they can pick up Aaron Williams to play either cornerback or safety. He doesn’t have great hands to make interceptions, but he can help right away on special teams.

32) Green Bay Packers – Cameron Heyward, Defensive End/Tackle, Ohio State

The Packers have two defensive linemen that may not be back this season, one for legal issues and one from free agency. To add depth, the team will go after Heyward. He has great size at 6’6 and 287 pounds and experience all across the line, but he will have to prove he has the work ethic and focus needed for the NFL.