ESPN loves them some Cam, bruh. Number 10 in the Top 100 of NFL players. Wait, what?

[nctarheel0619]

10. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers

Avg. rating: 92.91 | 2015 rank: 85

Newton's size and ability to be a threat as a runner and passer has allowed to 2015 NFL MVP to redefine the quarterback position. "God's not making another Cam Newton for a long time," Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter said at the Super Bowl. "He broke the mold when he made him.'' Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young said Newton has reached "rare air." -- David Newton

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/2016NFLRank25x1/2016-nflrank-25-1-nfl-best-greatest-players-jj-watt-houston-texans-aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers

Here are the players in front of Cam:

9. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons

Avg. rating: 93.29 | 2015 rank: 20

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jones has the combination of size and speed that makes him nearly unstoppable. His 1,871 receiving yards last season, the second-highest total in NFL history, proves the point. Jones might become the first pass-catcher to reach 2,000 yards in a season. -- Vaughn McClure

8. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams

Avg. rating: 94.11 | 2015 rank: T-47

Donald has racked up 20 sacks in his first two seasons in the NFL, both of which ended with an invite to the Pro Bowl, and he is widely considered the NFL's best interior pass-rusher. Pro Football Focus named Donald the most impressive player at his position last year, with a 98.8 pass-rush grade. His combined sacks-and-hits total of 37 was 14 more than any other positional peer, and his pass-rush productivity of 12.4 was second best among defensive tackles in nine years of grading NFL games. In short: Donald is arguably the best at his position. -- Alden Gonzalez

7. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Panthers

Avg. rating: 94.36 | 2015 rank: 13

All Kuechly has done is lead the NFL in tackles (620) since entering the league in 2012 and win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. "Cam [Newton] is known as Superman, but Luke actually looks like Superman," Carolina defensive end Mario Addison said. -- David Newton

6. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Avg. rating: 94.71 | 2015 rank: 3

The two-time NFL MVP (2007, 2010) is 194-60 (.764) in regular-season and playoff games, which is the best record of any NFL quarterback with at least 100 starts in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Brady's competitive drive and work ethic, coupled with the two traits the Patriots value most at the position -- accuracy and decision-making -- have him defying Father Time. He turned 39 on Aug. 3. "I've said many times there is no quarterback I'd rather have than Tom Brady," coach Bill Belichick said. -- Mike Reiss

5. Von Miller, OLB, Broncos

Avg. rating: 95.67 | 2015 rank: 28

When asked last season what separated the Broncos' defense from others, Colts coach Chuck Pagano said it best. "Well," he said, "it's not like guys like Von Miller fall out of the sky." Miller has speed, quick-twitch athleticism and the flexibility to get under blockers and turn his speed into power to drive blockers backward. And as his postseason run showed, even after 60 sacks in 72 games, he's still an ascending player. -- Jeff Legwold

4. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers

Avg. rating: 95.73 | 2015 rank: 10

Brown reached a new stratosphere after posting an NFL-record 265 catches over two seasons. He has crossed over from one of the game's best receivers to undeniably one of the league's best at any position. He made elite defenses look foolish last season, including the Broncos, prompting coach Gary Kubiak to call him an MVP favorite. "Watching that kid play -- I mean, he's something else," Kubiak said. Brown's footwork is unmatched, particularly when making difficult catches by the sideline. -- Jeremy Fowler

3. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots

Avg. rating: 95.78 | 2015 rank: 5

Gronkowski is the only tight end in NFL history to post three seasons of 1,000 yards receiving and 10-plus touchdowns (2011, 2014, 2015). Said quarterback Tom Brady, "I can't say enough good things about Gronk because what he brings to our offense is just -- no one in the league has someone that is just as tough a mismatch as Gronk is. He's big, fast, tough, dependable, consistent." -- Mike Reiss

2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Avg. rating: 97.02 | 2015 rank: 2

How many different players have to say Rodgers is the best quarterback in the game before you believe it? Sure, it's a regular occurrence in the Packers' locker room, but consider this from new tight end Jared Cook. He said the biggest reason he decided to sign with the Packers in free agency is the chance to play with Rodgers. "It was imperative that I find a person that's known for getting the job done and is good at what they do," Cook said. "I think that he's probably one of the best in the league at doing it, clearly." Even in what many considered a "down" season last year, Rodgers threw for 31 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. That's a good year for anyone not named Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. -- Rob Demovsky

J.J. Watt has two seasons with more than 20.5 sacks, but he could get a late start to the 2016 season because of injury. Bob Levey/Getty Images
1. J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Avg. rating: 97.87 | 2015 rank: 1

By the age of 27, Watt has done something that only Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor has done in NFL history: win three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Over the past four seasons, Watt leads the NFL with 69 sacks, and he should have many stellar years ahead of him. Watt is currently on the physically unable to perform list after having back surgery in late July, but the Texans are hoping he can return for the start of the regular season. Said Saints quarterback Drew Brees: "Obviously, he's an impact player, he's a difference-maker. And I'm sure they miss him." -- Sarah Barshop

[Nate Dogg]

No big deal. Not everyone worships the Panthers like we do.

[OneBadCat]

He's I'm good company at least. No BS list. But I'd definitely say Cam is a top 5 QB.

[G()AT]

I love how one of the MOST obvious examples of roids/hgh in the NFL continues to be ranked and respected...  For those wondering compare pics of JJ Watt in college to now..  that's not normal human growth..   NFL would be done if they took up USADA to do their testing...  Just look at the recent impact on the UFC. 

[Jangler]

JNo on their cover says all you need to know about what BSPN thinks about Cam.  

[Mojo]

The list actually isn't that bad.

 

[OriginalPantherDan]

So ESPN is telling me there are 9 players in the League who are superior to Cam at their respective positions? Bullshit. There are, at most, 2 or 3. Not 9.  No fuging way. 

[L-TownCat]

So are we expecting deep analysis from ESPN now?

Or are we just pointing and laughing?

[Vampire the buffet slayer]

At least hes not behind Luck or Wilson.

 

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Am I the only one who thinks the "Wait, what?" here is that Luke is #7?

[JustLurking]

you are only as good as your last season so why is Rodgers #2? he showed with a crappy oline and no #1 WR he is utter garbage

[electro's horse]

11 hours ago, ItsNotGonnaBeAlright said:

Am I the only one who thinks the "Wait, what?" here is that Luke is #7?

Luke could retire today and have a good argument for the Hall of Fame. 

 

[Paintballr]

There are only 2 QBs ahead of him....Rodgers and Brady

[Moorgan]

I'd want everyone on that list on my fantasy team. It's a good list and if Cam puts up a similar season to last year he will get even more recognition from national media. We all know he's the best, right now, in the league. Brady is largely being recognized for his whole career...which is the tendency for most people. Rodgers had a down year and yet was still pretty damned good. Again, he's being ranked because of his consistent history of wowing everyone. When Cam does it again this year he will begin to get that recognition of consistency.

All in all the list is good. Solid at least. The Panthers have forced everyone to no longer overlook us. We've known it all along but no one follows this team like we do...not even the dedicated ESPN journalist. :)