National media finally wakes up to overlooked Commanders draft pick

With Washington Commanders veterans currently navigating the early stages of training camp, all fans are wondering which players can improve their position on the depth chart between now and the start of the 2025 season.

Most of the attention will be drawn towards those who are merely trying to make the roster, the late-round picks, and undrafted free agents looking to establish a name for themselves. But there are also backups with secure roles who could play their way into something bigger.

If you're looking for one such candidate on the Commanders, it might be second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton.

Commanders DL Johnny Newton gaining breakout buzz from the national media

Bucky Brooks from NFL.com published a series titled the "2025 NFL All-Breakout Team". It spotlighted 11 defensive players who could see major leaps in production this season, all of whom are considered relative unknowns to the casual follower.

At defensive tackle, Newton cracks the list.

The heavy-handed defensive tackle exhibited disruptive skills at the point of attack during his rookie campaign. Newton's powerful hands and non-stop motor helped him amass 44 tackles (six for loss), seven QB hits and a pair of sacks in 16 games, including 11 starts. Given more responsibility and freedom within the scheme, the second-year pro could become Dan Quinn's designated playmaker on the defensive front, given his unique talents as a power player in the trenches.Bucky Brooks

Newton was unavailable for most of last offseason due to foot surgery from an injury he acquired during his senior year of college at Illinois, meaning his adjustment to the NFL came with less-than-ideal preparation. Still, he showed plenty of promise after being forced into a starting role when veteran Jonathan Allen suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle.

Washington moved on from Allen, signing Javon Kinlaw to start alongside Daron Payne while Newton figures to play a backup role again. But both of those veterans come with some concerns, and there is a real chance that the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft could emerge as a full-time starter sooner rather than later.

All offseason, it has been feared that the defensive line will be the Commanders' weak link. Payne will need to return to form after an underwhelming 2024 campaign, and Kinlaw has quite the hefty price tag to live up to despite a promising start to life in Washington.

If neither of them is up to the task, the second-year youngster might be Washington's best bet to solidify the defensive trenches.

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