The Washington Commanders’ second-round pick Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton has a lot to say regarding his upcoming debut with the team. The defensive tackle had quite a collegiate career, racking up 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2022 and following it with 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his final collegiate season. Even though the Commanders already have two strong defensive tackles with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, they drafted Newton anyway. Newton, rather than being concerned about playing time, is excited at the prospect of playing alongside these veterans.
![Washington Commanders No. 2 Pick Newton 'Really Happy' to Get to Play with Veteran Players 1 Jonathan Allen, Atlanta Falcons, Commanders](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USATSI_22171899_168400517_lowres-1024x756.jpg)
Newton is ‘very happy’ to be Playing with Commanders Veterans
Illinois football’s Jer’Zhan Newton watched these players when they started in college and continued when they transitioned to the NFL. He said in a statement, “Playing next to those guys, outstanding, an amazing feeling. [They’re] Older guys who have had success [in] college and in the NFL. So, I’m really happy.” Newton also went on to state what he himself would bring to the table, saying:
“I have a great pre-snap recognition,” the rookie said. “I know which plays coming at which down and distance, which formation brings which play. So, I just feel like my knowledge on the game is very high compared to other people.”
![Washington Commanders No. 2 Pick Newton 'Really Happy' to Get to Play with Veteran Players 2 Jer'Zhan Newton, illinois footballs jerzhan newton](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_17106623_168400517_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
Newton’s Future with the Washington Commanders
Newton seems pretty confident in his abilities and is generally looking forward to getting on the field with the rest of the team. Luckily for Newton, Quinn likes rotating out his linemen in order to keep them fresh, and he also excels at generating matchups for pass runners be they on the edge or the interior. The Washington Commanders have the luxury of being able to bring in the Illinois alum slowly rather than rush him into the fray.
![Washington Commanders No. 2 Pick Newton 'Really Happy' to Get to Play with Veteran Players 3 Washington Commanders J.J. McCarthy](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22451523_168400517_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
If Newton taps into the skillset that made him a high second-round draft pick, Quinn will surely find the most optimal way to use him sooner rather than later. Hopefully, Newton will help the Commanders toward a brighter future come the 2024-2025 season. He’ll have a lot to learn, but thankfully, he has plenty of teachers and mentors on the team. Perhaps the first lesson might be to not fracture his foot, as Newton is currently dealing with fractures in both of his feet. Tough break for the rookie, but hopefully, he’ll be all healed up and ready to go come the beginning of the season.
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