Before last year's draft, many draft experts, including Mel Kiper Jr., questioned Newton's work ethic and even compared him to Akili Smith, who is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. 

When the Carolina Panthers took a chance on Newton and selected him No. 1 overall, it instantly became a hotbed for criticism and people began to wonder if Newton had what it takes to be a successful NFL quarterback or if he would falter like other dual-threat signal callers like Smith or Vince Young.

And then the season was played and he had an alright season.

All he did was throw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 706 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

He took the Carolina Panthers, who only won two games in 2010, and brought them to six wins in 2011. While that might not sound like much, the Panthers were last in the NFL for total offense (258.4 yards/game). With Newton at the helm, they rose all the way to seventh in the league (389.8 yards/game).

By the end of the season, Newton had broken several rookie passing records as well. In just his first game, Newton set a new record for most passing yards in a rookie debut with 422 yards. Even though the Panthers lost, Newton shut down all of his critics. He was accurate by completing 64 percent of his passes and he showed the ability to throw the deep ball by completing a 77-yard touchdown pass.

Then, in Week 16, Newton broke the record for passing yards in a rookie season with 4,051 yards. He surpassed the prior record of 3,739 with almost a full two games left (Newton broke the record on the first possession in Week 16).

Oh yeah and that previous record holder was another quarterback whom you might have heard of. 

Already, Newton has added to his legend as a quarterback. Not only in college, but now in the NFL.

He put together the best rookie season of all-time. His decision-making and accuracy were much better than many critics anticipated. His ability to run the ball effectively baffled defenses and created a lot of opportunities for big plays.

What he needs to work on before next season is the ability to win games. Newton played great in 2011, but the Panthers still lost 10 games. Of course, one could point to the defense to be at fault because the offense was so much improved, but part of the responsibility has to fall on Newton.

He is the leader of the football team and must step up in the big moments in order to take the Panthers to the next level. He may not have that now, but it is something Newton should gain as he matures and grows as an NFL quarterback.

Newton will build off of this amazing rookie season and become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL.