This year’s NFL Draft class showcases a range of promising defensive prospects, and one standout player to watch is Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton. The Kansas City Chiefs would be wise to consider drafting him, as he possesses a unique combination of skills that could greatly enhance their defensive lineup.

Let’s explore his impressive capabilities and what he brings to the game.

Jer’Zhan Newton: An Overview of His Athletic Journey

Jer’Zhan Newton, a three-star recruit from Clearwater Central Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, caught the attention of numerous colleges before ultimately choosing to play for the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois. Over the course of 49 games during his four seasons at Illinois, he accumulated an impressive total of 187 tackles, including 80 solo efforts, 27.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five passes defended.

In his junior year, he earned All-American honors and was named the Big 10’s Defensive Player of the Year, finishing as the conference leader in pressures with 44. His overall pressure count of 103 over his last two seasons ranked him first nationally among defensive tackles. Newton’s impressive stats reflect his significant impact on the field.

At the NFL Combine, Newton measured in at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 304 pounds. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in drills and athletic testing due to a foot surgery he underwent in early January. While the injury is not considered severe, it did prevent him from showcasing his abilities at the Illinois Pro Day held on March 8.

In some ways, this absence from athletic testing could actually benefit the Kansas City Chiefs. Had he performed exceptionally well at the Combine or Pro Day, his projected draft stock might have risen significantly, potentially making him more difficult for Kansas City to acquire.

Evaluating Jer’Zhan Newton’s Game Film: A Breakdown of Skills

While testing metrics are valuable, they are not essential to recognize that Newton is an elite athlete. He effectively utilizes his compact frame, exploding off the line of scrimmage with remarkable speed, agility, and power—qualities that are crucial for success as an interior defensive lineman. His explosive first step and impressive burst set him apart from many of his peers.

Most NFL teams are primarily focused on the athletic attributes of college defensive linemen, hoping they can develop a versatile pass-rushing toolbox. However, Newton already boasts an impressive array of pass-rushing moves, which is a rarity for college interior linemen. His skill set allows him to disrupt plays effectively and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In one particular play, Newton read the offensive guard’s movements carefully. As the guard attempted to engage him with a flatter set, Newton utilized his outside hand to slap the guard’s hand away while executing a swim move with his inside hand. This technique created immediate separation, showcasing his quickness and agility.

Despite the guard’s efforts to push him outside, Newton’s speed allowed him to bend around the blocker, gaining momentum as he charged toward the quarterback. The resulting collision was forceful, demonstrating his ability to deliver impactful hits and disrupt the offensive flow.

Due to his reputation for powerful rushes, opposing Big 10 teams often attempted to neutralize him early in plays. However, Newton consistently demonstrated his ability to use hand swipes and club moves effectively in tight situations, allowing him to maintain his effectiveness against double teams.

In another instance, Newton showcased his quickness by swiftly knocking down the guard’s hands with a club technique before attempting to corner rush for a sack. Although he didn’t secure the sack himself, his rapid up-the-middle rush effectively disrupted the quarterback’s vision, ultimately leading to a sack by a teammate.

Newton’s initial step is remarkably quick, enabling him to leave blockers behind and gain ground on the quarterback with ease. His ability to explode off the line is a game-changer in high-pressure situations.

In another highlight, Newton burst out of his position, forcing the guard to adjust to a faster pace and causing him to overset. Newton quickly recognized this and redirected his rush into the A gap, applying pressure on the pocket. This forced the quarterback to release the ball prematurely, showcasing Newton’s disruptive ability.

However, Newton still has areas to improve, particularly in run defense. At times, his size may limit his effectiveness as a traditional space eater. Nevertheless, as a 3-technique or even a 5-technique, he can serve as an athletic, penetrating run stopper while also effectively extending blockers laterally along the line.

In a particular play against Penn State, Newton effectively recognized a pin-and-pull scheme where the right tackle was responsible for blocking down on him. Quickly diagnosing the play, Newton burst out of his stance, easily beating the down block. With a pulling blocker in front of him, the running back attempted to cut back, but Newton’s impressive short-area burst forced the runner to alter his path, ultimately running out of bounds to avoid a collision.

Although Newton didn’t receive credit for a tackle, his presence created a significant impact. His high football IQ and ability to read plays will be invaluable assets against the run in the NFL.

While his size might create challenges early in his NFL career, Newton’s intelligence and play recognition will serve as a strong foundation for his development as a complete player.

Strategic Fit: How Newton Enhances the Chiefs’ Defensive Line

The Kansas City Chiefs have successfully re-signed nearly all of their key defensive tackles for the 2023 season, including bringing back the formidable Chris Jones. However, selecting a player of Johnny Newton’s caliber would be a missed opportunity for the franchise.

Newton’s disruptive playing style would allow him to make an immediate impact on the field. Playing alongside Jones, they could create havoc in opposing offenses, combining their talents to elevate the Chiefs’ defensive performance.

Chris Jones often faces double teams, which could shift the focus of opposing offenses toward defensive end George Karlaftis in 2024. This would likely provide Newton with numerous one-on-one opportunities. His rapid get-off and diverse pass-rushing techniques would enable him to push the pocket effectively, disrupting plays and applying pressure on quarterbacks.

Additionally, Newton possesses the strength and versatility to play outside during run situations, a role he effectively demonstrated during his time at Illinois. He would offer defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen the flexibility they covet on their defensive line.

Although Jones has signed a new contract, he won’t remain with the Chiefs indefinitely. Therefore, it is crucial for the organization to begin identifying its next elite interior defensive lineman, and Newton fits that mold perfectly.

Draft Projection: Round 1 Talent