Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Height/Weight: 6-2, 304
Age: 21.7
Strengths
- Get-Off: Explosive first step that guards and even tackles can struggle with
- Hand Usage: Big swiper that can control the rep before opposing linemen get a firm grasp
- Pass Rush: Excellent at penetrating the interior and destroying pocket depth with quick feet and notable hand usage
Areas of Improvement-Concerns
- Block Shedding: Can struggle to disengage once hooked. Need to see him come off things cleaner
- Run Defense: Inconsistency in his run pass reads leads to occasional gashes through his gap
Evaluation:
Johnny Newton is the prototype for a modern-day three-technique defensive lineman. While his ability to stay strong in the run game will need some adaptation, his innate pass-rush skills are coveted by teams looking for one-gap penetrators in an upfield, rush-heavy scheme. With desirable traits and measurables, there’s a chance Newton goes somewhere in the 20’s come draft night.
James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking:
16th overall, 2nd ranked DL
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