? Auburn quarterback Newton joins Panthers as first pick
? Linebacker Von Miller taken second by Denver Broncos
The Carolina Panthers have made Cam Newton the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. The Panthers, who were given the first choice because they finished with the NFL's worst record last season, had widely been expected to take the Auburn University quarterback and 2010 Heisman Trophy winner as the No1 selection.
The 21-year-old helped the Auburn Tigers compile a 14-0 record in 2010, culminating with a win in the BCS National Championship game in January, while setting several individual records.
But his achievements on the field were largely overshadowed by a major controversy over his eligibility after it was revealed that his father, Cecil Newton, who played two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys as a safety, had tried to solicit payments from another university for his son's services, in violation of the strict amateur rules for college players.
Newton was briefly declared ineligible to play but later reinstated after no evidence was found proving he had any knowledge of his father's activities.
The Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller was taken second by the Denver Broncos at Radio City Music Hall in New York, while Marcell Dareus of the University of Alabama went No3 to the Buffalo Bills.
The draft took place amid an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions. The players are currently subject to a lockout by the league, brought about by a failure to agree a new collective bargaining agreement.
A federal judge has ruled that the lockout must be lifted but the NFL is currently challenging this. It also wants the court to rule on the league's appeal of Judge Susan Richard Nelson's rulings. Nelson, a Minnesota-based district court judge, on Wednesday denied the NFL's request for a stay of her Monday ruling that lifted the lockout.
Top 10 first round picks in the 2011 draft
1) Carolina Panthers; Cam Newton; quarterback; Auburn
2) Denver Broncos; Von Miller; outside linebacker; Texas A&M
3) Buffalo Bills; Marcell Dareus; defensive tackle; Alabama
4) Cincinnati Bengals; A.J. Green; wide receiver; Georgia
5) Arizona Cardinals; Patrick Peterson; cornerback, Louisiana State
6) Atlanta Falcons; Julio Jones; wide receiver; Alabama
7) San Francisco 49ers; Aldon Smith; defensive end; Missouri
8) Tennessee Titans; Jake Locker; quarterback; Washington
9) Dallas Cowboys; Tyron Smith; offensive tackle; University of Southern California
10) Jacksonville Jaguars; Blaine Gabbert; quarterback; Missouri
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