2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Jer’Zhan Newton is a defensive lineman out of Illinois. He is from Clearwater, FL, and was a 3-star recruit out of Clearwater Central Catholic.
Newton committed to the Illinois Fighting Illini in December of 2019. At that time he was ranked as DL47 on 247sports.
He finished his freshman season with 23 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 fumble forced through 8 games played. Each year thereafter he would continue to improve his game.
In his sophomore season, he continued on his early success by doubling his tackles and sacks. He finished with 50 total tackles and 3.5 sacks through 12 games. In 2022, he was selected to the All-Big Ten First Team after leading the team with 5.5 sacks.
In his senior season, 2023, Newton became a team captain. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Newton is leaving the Fighting Illini after having 123 total pressures with 18 total sacks in his four-year career.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Tackles | Def Int | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| 2020 | Illinois | Big Ten | FR | DL | 7 | 6 | 17 | 23 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 2021 | Illinois | Big Ten | FR | DL | 12 | 19 | 31 | 50 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| *2022 | Illinois | Big Ten | SO | 13 | 29 | 33 | 62 | 14.0 | 5.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2023 | Illinois | Big Ten | JR | DT | 12 | 26 | 26 | 52 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Career | Illinois | 80 | 107 | 187 | 27.5 | 18.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Excellent movement with his hands. Uses his strength and technique to get around blockers effectively.
- Versatile athlete. Can play anywhere on the defensive line.
- Strong IQ and awareness allow him to disrupt the backfield.
- Explosive off the line. At 295 pounds his agility is remarkable to watch.
Weaknesses
- Often struggles when picking up the double team.
- Because of his smaller size for an interior lineman, he might be most successful on the end.
- At times struggles against run blocking getting pushed back and off balance.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Top 15 Overall
Ideal Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
Currently, the Las Vegas Raiders have the 13th pick overall. There are a few landing spots before pick 13, but I think they choose other defensive players before choosing Newton. For example, the Atlanta Falcons could choose Laiatu Latu if they pass on a quarterback with the 8th pick. The Minnesota Vikings at pick 11 could be a nice spot. But I think they chose Dallas Turner or Jared Verse instead.
That brings me to the Las Vegas Raiders at 13. Give defensive end Maxx Crosby a partner to disrupt the backfield. Allow Crosby to teach Newton how to succeed at the next level. The Raiders might need a quarterback the most out of the teams in the teens. But if Newton falls to you then you have to take that pass rusher.
Newton is arguably the best defensive lineman on the board. He has a natural ability to get off the line and attack all in one motion. He will be effective and efficient at the next level. And in the coming years possibly one of the sack leaders for his team.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 2.36 to the Washington Commanders
Newton
