Should Panthers take Newton No. 1? Opinions vary

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The growing consensus among NFL draft analysts is the Carolina Panthers will take Cam Newton with the No. 1 overall pick.

Those pundits differ on whether that's a smart decision.

As the Panthers remain mum on what they'll do next week, there's no shortage of advice. The most polarizing opinions involve the quarterback who dazzled college football last season in leading Auburn to the national title but carries plenty of off-field baggage and concerns.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. recently moved Newton to the top of his mock draft, even as he questions Newton's work ethic and continues to tout Carolina's Jimmy Clausen. Peter King of Sports Illustrated has Newton going to Carolina, too. ESPN analyst Jon Gruden thinks the same way and is bullish on Newton.