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We've all been tracking the progress of the #1 overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft, Cam Newton. He's an exciting player with tremendous ability on a lousy team, but, hey, that's usually what happens to a #1.

It doesn't come as much of a shock that Newton was named the opening day starter for the Panthers, but he definitely didn't earn the job based on his preseason statistics after going 24/57 - that's a 42% completion percentage - with 1 TD and 0 interceptions. He did show us his ability to scramble and use his legs to make plays, but it was also clear to see that he was holding back on that front and choosing to work on becoming more comfortable as a passer.

His competition was Jimmy Clausen who struggled mightily last season and Derek Anderson who has struggled since his lone good season back in Cleveland. No one is expecting Carolina to win anything right now, so it makes total sense that they are looking to roll out the guy that they hope will be their franchise QB.

It's absolutely the right move for the team and it's also the right move for fantasy owners. If you hold any Panthers on your roster, here's how Newton will help or hurt you:

Steve Smith
You caught that part about a 42% completion percentage in the preseason right? That is going to crush Smith's value which had already fallen to an all time low. I do think that Smith could be better than last year if they use him on shorter routes and then let him do the rest, but I'm definitely not counting on it. He's a flex option at best for me.

DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart
Newton does two things for the running game. First, he helps RBs with his ability to scramble and create confusion up front. Teams can't just load up the box and pound down the running game. Second, he's going to hurt RBs in the red zone. Maurice Jones-Drew owners know the pain of David Garrard toting one into the end zone.

The Panthers just re-signed Williams and paid him a ton of money, so he's still the guy that will be leading the charge. Stewart will be in the mix, but as usual his value increases only if Williams gets hurt.

Greg Olsen / Jeremy Shockey
A rookie quarterback's best friend is the Tight End and these two guys are going to be a vital part of the passing game. When you have a QB that is struggling to complete passes, then short dump off passes are necessary confidence builders. Greg Olsen is going to be the top play in this offense, but Shockey will poach some red zone targets.