3. Cam Newton, Auburn
If you forget everything that happened at Florida, it’s possible that no quarterback in SEC history had a better one-year stint int he league than Newton in 2010. He was like a combination of former Auburn quarterback Pat Sullivan and former Auburn running back Bo Jackson. Newton threw for over 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns while running for over 1,400 yards and another 20 touchdowns. No defense could keep him contained for 60 minutes, as Newton ended up winning the Heisman and leading Auburn to an undefeated season and a national championship in his only season at the school.
After being picked first overall in 2011, Newton has put together a pro career worthy of the top overall pick. He was Offensive Rookie of the Year and utterly brilliant in 2015 when he won MVP honors and led the Panthers to a 15-1 record, only to lose to the Broncos in the Super Bowl. As was the case during his one year at Auburn, Newton’s size, speed, and arm strength give him one of the most unique skillsets the NFL has ever seen at the quarterback position.
