This weekend, the Panthers and Broncos will meet in the Super Bowl thanks in large part to contributions from the top two picks in the 2011 draft, quarterback Cam Newton and outside linebacker Von Miller.
Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, is the favorite to win the league's MVP award, and he threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two others in a pair of playoff wins to lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl.
Miller, meanwhile, terrorized Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the AFC championship game. He recorded 2.5 sacks and picked off a pass.
On Sunday, Miller will try to chase down Newton in the Super Bowl.
With those two in the spotlight, let's look back on that stacked 2011 draft class, one that is surely a source of frustration for Vikings fans.
Nine of the first 11 draft picks and 15 of the first-round selections would go on to play in at least one Pro Bowl in their first five NFL seasons.
After Newton and Miller went 1-2, the Bills took defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, the Bengals drafted receiver A.J. Green and the Cardinals grabbed cornerback Patrick Peterson. Receiver Julio Jones went sixth to the Falcons followed by outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who went to the 49ers.
Future All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith was picked ninth by the Cowboys, sandwiched between quarterbacks Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert, who went to the Titans and Jaguars, respectively, and became busts.
