History of Carolina Panthers 1st round picks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers joined the National Football League in 1995 as the league's 29th franchise. The team's first ever selection was Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins.

The Panthers' only first overall selection came in 2011, when they selected Cam Newton.

They would have picked first in 2002, however, the inception of the Houston Texans that year allowed Houston to pick first instead of Carolina.

Carolina had the first overall pick in their inaugural season, but traded the pick to the Bengals for the 5th and 36th overall selection.

The Panthers hold the 28th pick in this year's draft which starts Thursday at 8 p.m.

Here is a complete listing of 1st round draft choices:

1995:  Kerry Collins (QB) Penn State - 5th overall pick

1995:  Tyrone Poole (CB) Fort Valley State - 22nd overall pick

1995:  Blake Brockermeyer (OT) Texas - 29 overall pick

1996:  Tshimanga Biakabutuka (RB) Michigan - 8th overall pick

1997:  Rae Carruth (WR) Colorado - 27th overall pick

1998:  Jason Peter (DE) Nebraska - 14th overall pick

1999:  No pick

2000:  Rashard Anderson (DB) Jackson State - 23rd overall pick

2001:  Dan Morgan (LB) Miami (FL) - 11th overall pick

2002:  Julius Peppers (DE) North Carolina - 2nd overall pick

2003:  Jordan Gross (OT) Utah - 8th overall pick

2004:  Chris Gamble (CB) Ohio State - 28th overall pick

2005:  Thomas Davis (LB) Georgia - 14th overall pick

2006:  DeAngelo Williams (RB) Memphis - 27th overall pick

2007:  Jon Beason (LB) Miami (FL) - 25th overall pick

2008:  Jonathan Stewart (RB) Oregon - 13th overall pick

2008:  Jeff Otah (OT) Pittsburgh - 19th overall pick

2009:  No pick

2010:  No pick

2011:  Cam Newton (QB) Auburn - 1st overall pick

2012:  Luke Kuechly (LB) Boston College - 9th overall pick

2013:  Star Lotulelei (DT) Utah - 14th overall pick

2014: ????

For complete coverage of the NFL Draft, click here.

WSOC