The Washington Commanders selected Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton with the 36 overall pick on Friday night, dropping a space-eating run-stuffer into the trenches who’s more than capable of providing a steady and disruptive interior pass rush.
“I’m a very big believer in Newton,” an NFL Scout told me of the Commanders” new defensive tackle. “I think he has the potential to be the most dominant defender in this class, when all is said and done.”
Last season in Illinois, Newton produced a career-high 7.5 sacks with 8.5 tackles for loss, underscoring his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield. Newton added 52 total tackles with two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery
Newton could be a luxury piece along a dominant front seven that includes DaRon Payne, Jonathan Allen, and newcomers Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong. But, Newton can contribute quality snaps immediately for new head coach Dan Quinn and represent a big piece of the future in the front-seven.
Jer’Zhan Newton NFL Draft Scouting Report
Newton has a lofty NFL ceiling, and has the potential to be a legitimate matchup nightmare for interior offensive linemen.
During four seasons in the middle of the Illini defensive line, Newton produced 187 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
In addition to his prowess stopping the run, Pro Football Focus points out that Newton posted a strong 15.4 pass-rush win rate, while posting 28 hurries and seven hits last season.
“Active interior defender with the potential to build on his disruptive production in college,” NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein writes of Newton. “Newton’s size and length don’t stand out, but he has shown a consistent ability to gain extension and set edges against bigger opponents.
“Newton is clever in setting up blockers and then beating them with sudden hand usage and foot quickness as both a run defender and a pass rusher. He’s strong enough to hold the point, but he’s not going to overwhelm NFL guards with force or power”
Jer’Zhan Newton Highlights
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