Washington Commanders Select Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois in the Second Round of 2024 NFL Draft

Washington welcomes the newest member of the family, Johnny Newton, after making him the 36th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Draft day is finally here and Washington has picked Illinois DT Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton. Washington was expected to go CB or OT here, but they saw value in selecting a defensive tackle with their first pick on Day 2. Newton was considered a 1st round prospect, but offseason foot surgery(Jones fracture) likely dropped him down some team’s boards.

The Washington Commanders have had a very good defensive line after pumping first round picks into it for years. Starting edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded last year, but they still have Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen under contract. They also have John Ridgeway, a solid rotational piece, and Phidarian Mathis who hasn’t been able to stay on the field since being drafted in the second round two years ago. Allen was unhappy last year, but the team said they weren’t trading him. Washington could move on from him next season, but they would need to see some solid play from the rest of the group this season, or make another move this year.

NFL.com draft profile:

Active interior defender with the potential to build on his disruptive production in college. 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. His skill level and athleticism should create additional playmaking opportunities for him as a three-down 3-technique with early starting potential.