Debate Team: Is Cam Newton being drafted too early?

Each week, two of theScore's fantasy expert discuss an intriguing fantasy topic in debate form. This week: As mock drafts continue and people get ready for the NFL season, is Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton getting too much love?

Jason Wilson: Newton is the consensus first quarterback being taken in mock drafts and will almost assuredly be the first taken in most regular season drafts. According to FantasyFootballCalculator.com, Newton is typically being drafted in the middle of the third round in standard, 12-team leagues.

This is far too early.

Newton had a monster 2015, passing for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns. His 10 rushing touchdowns are likely what fans point to when they justify drafting him so early. In the two seasons prior, he totaled 11 rushing touchdowns.

In order for Newton to be worth drafting in the third round when QBs like Drew Brees are going much later, he needs to match or exceed his 2015 numbers. That seems like a tall order. I'd rather hold off and bolster my receiving corps in the third round.

Potter: The difference between Brees and Newton last year was that the former Super Bowl champ had dynamic receiving options like Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Mark Ingram while Newton's top-three options were Greg Olsen and two players in Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery that would have been hard-pressed to make the Saints' roster.

That Newton recorded his best passing yard total in three seasons is a miracle considering the ensemble of mediocrity supporting him. The upcoming season will mark the return of 2014 first round pick Kelvin Benjamin, who recorded 1,008 yards and nine TDs in his rookie year but saw year two wiped out with injury. His presence in the passing game will be the tide that raises all ships.

With Benjamin in the fold, sophomore Devin Funchess (15.3 yards per reception) slotted into the WR2 spot, Olsen a steady check-down option and Ginn moved into a more suitable depth role, Newton could have an even better year. I wouldn't be shocked to see 4,500 yards and 35 TDs when all is said and done.

Wilson: The situation has improved in Carolina, but you could also say the receiving landscape in Indianapolis has also improved. Considering the Colts have Andrew Luck, who was the consensus number one QB in 2015 drafts, there's value to be had by taking him in the fourth round with his trio of T.Y. Hilton, another year of Donte Moncrief, and Phillip Dorsett.

Newton was drafted as a backup QB in 2015, or a late-round flier for those who decided to forego the quarterback rush earlier. Ryan Tannehill was drafted two full rounds earlier. Peyton Manning was the third QB off the board. Look how that turned out. Newton, Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers each went late and each returned excellent value relative to their positions.

While Newton could very easily be the top fantasy QB for a second consecutive year, aided greatly by his vaunted group of receivers, you can get a QB who will score well enough that the difference isn't that drastic. The trick is figuring out which one. One could be Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston, who last year had passing numbers eerily similar to Newton's rookie season.

Andrew Potter: The X-factor that separates Newton from his contemporaries is his physical tools, adding a wrinkle to his game that raises his ceiling dramatically because of his ability to both put the ball in the air and keep it on the ground. No QB recent history, save Russell Wilson, has combined deft passing with rushing ability at this level.

I appreciate that repeating a 10 rushing TD, 600-plus yards rushing will be difficult, but there's reason to be optimistic. Here's why I'm comfortable taking him in the third-round: Newton is still the team's best red zone and short yardage option.

The Panthers enter 2016 with the same uninspiring RB committee as last year. One-dimensional Jonathan Stewart and his four-season average of just 4.1 yards per carry is still the lead back. Newton had more rushing attempts last season than any year in his career. With little other ground support, there's no reason to think he can't relive those great rushing benchmarks.

Wilson: You mention Wilson, who had an elite 2015 as well. He can be had several rounds later in all drafts. Newton's a great QB and his draft status in 2015 was as insanely low as it is high this year. And while he may be the best option near the goal line, it's not enough for me to forego depth at other positions. If he could only fall another round.

There is nothing you have said about Newton that I would point out as categorically incorrect. He is dynamic, uses multiple facets about his game, has a fairly weak running game that he has to make up for on his own, and has an improved passing situation. But I still can't shake that none of the top three QBs drafted in 2015 finished the season as a top-3 QB.

Potter: The benefit of moving up to grab Newton comes down to whether you believe he's in the right situation to build upon or even replicate his magical 2015 season.

Newton's competition at QB has thinned since last year. Tom Brady is suspended for four games. Blake Bortles' track record is extremely short. Even old heads like Brees and Palmer can expect a drop off in production at some point. Newton and Wilson are in a class by themselves but unlike Wilson, Newton's sky-high ceiling has still yet to be determined.