The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for ways to improve their roster, and one of those ways will be through the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders are looking for young talent to help them push for the postseason in 2024. They were just outside the picture last year, so they may feel they are just a few pieces away from being a playoff team.
New General Manager Tom Telesco and Coach Antonio Pierce are beginning a new era in Las Vegas, so they are looking to build a foundation with these picks.
One player who could fit that mold is TCU cornerback Josh Newton. A First-Team All-Big 12 player in 2022 and a Second-Team All-Big 12 player in 2023, Newton spent his final two seasons with the Horned Frogs after spending three seasons at Louisiana-Monroe.
Newton finished his collegiate career with 152 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 36 passes defended, and seven interceptions. He had a pick-six in 2022 with the Horned Frogs.
Newton is a smaller corner, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds. He looks like it on tape, too. His build is similar to that of former Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, who was short and well-built.
Despite his size, Newton competes hard on every play. He has strong hands at the line of scrimmage and gets physical with his receiver match-up. He is a problem in man coverage because of his competitiveness.
According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 52 times and allowed 25 receptions for 303 yards and just one touchdown. He is one of the better cover corners in the draft, and not many corners will compete harder than Newton to defend the pass.
Newton is also an impressive mover on tape, with good closing speed and click-and-close ability. He also has impressive instincts, keeping his eyes in the backfield when he is in zone coverage.
While Newton is an impressive mover, he is not the best athlete, which allows bigger, more athletic receivers to beat him. He does not have great speed either, which could be challenging for him against the league’s faster players.
Newton is projected to be a second-round selection. The Raiders could bank on his athleticism and competitiveness if they want to add him to their defensive backfield.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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