The 2024 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Johnny Newton 2024 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Interior Defensive Lineman
School: Illinois
Size: 6-foot-2, 295 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
2023 stats: 52 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Newton could have entered the 2023 NFL Draft, but returned to Illinois for another season. Now, he is in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a three-star recruit in the class of 2020, Newton signed with Illinois out of Florida. He mostly came off the bench, but did start two games as a freshman with 23 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He stepped into the starting lineup in a full-time manner in 2021, finishing the season with 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. His play helped the Fighting Illini win five games. Newton improved in 2022, finishing the year with 62 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Illinois benefited from Newton’s good play, as they won eight games. After deciding to return for the 2023 season, Newton registered 52 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Despite his good play, Illinois won just five games.
Following the season, Newton declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Newton has good athleticism for an interior defensive lineman. He has good burst at the snap of the ball showing his good quickness. His quickness allows him to attack gaps before offensive linemen can adequately react. Newton has good agility as well and solid flexibility.
He has active and powerful hands. Newton gets his hands on offensive linemen early, which helps him win reps. His hands pack a jolt and can knock back offensive linemen. He also places his hands well. This helps him to disengage against run blocking and pass blocking.
His pass-rushing adds a lot of value from the interior. He has the athleticism to win by attacking gaps. Newton also has a solid pass-rush plan for each snap. He has a few pass-rush moves that work including clubs, chops and rips. His 7.5 sacks this season, show he can be an every-down defensive lineman.
Newton was listed at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, which isn’t the biggest for an interior lineman. He will need to work on adding mass when he gets to the next level. With his size, comes limited arm length. This makes it tough for him to shed blocks quickly.
His size makes it hard for him to show his strength and power. He can be overwhelmed by double teams and taken out of the play. Against single blockers in the run game, he can take too much time to shed his block. He can push the pocket a bit as a pass rusher, but mostly wins because of his pass rush moves and athleticism, not strength.
While he gets a good jump at the snap of the ball, he can sometimes be overeager. He has a tendency to jump the snap too early and draw penalties. A little more discipline can have him keeping his great burst, but not drawing flags.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Grade
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