Rookie Profile: Josh Newton, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals
Welcome to the Rookie Profile for Josh Newton, a cornerback out of TCU. He is from Monroe Louisiana, and was a 4-star recruit from Ouachita Parish High School.
Newton began his collegiate career at the University of Lousiana-Monroe where he appeared in 10 games as a freshman. He recorded 14 solo tackles, 6 assists, and 2 passes defended in a solid debut for the small school. He followed that up in 2020 with another 10 games played. Once again, his production was solid where he totaled 11 solo tackles, 5 assists, 0.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 5 passes defended.
2021 was his final year at The University of Louisiana-Monroe where he appeared in 12 games as a junior. He racked up 28 solo tackles, 48 assists, 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 8 passes defended. A productive junior season would lead him to transfer to TCU for his senior year.
In 2022 with TCU, he appeared in 15 games and once again put up solid numbers. He recorded 26 solo tackles, 9 assists, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 1 touchdown and 12 passes defended.
His collegiate career would conclude in 2023 with the TCU Horned Frogs where he would appear in 12 games. He totaled 26 solo tackles, 7 assists, 1 interception, and 9 passes defended.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 5 Pick 14
- Leonard was projected to be a day-three pick, and at times, a day-two pick. For him to go completely undrafted is shocking, to say the least. He did sign on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, but that’s a far cry from the value he once had.
- Once a second-round IDP rookie pick who looked to crack the first round in the right situation, he knows finds himself outside the top three rounds and nothing more than a speculative add. He projects to be a nose tackle, so that may have killed his fantasy value regardless, but going undrafted has left him for dead as far as fantasy is concerned.
Landing Spot- Cincinnati Bengals
- As mentioned above, this pick would appear to be one aimed and building long-term depth. Newton has plenty of potential, but with the Bengals pretty much set in the secondary, this could be more of a project player or injury replacement.
- For Newton to get significant playing time this season, it’s likely going to require a significant injury to someone above him on the depth chart. I would expect to see him on the gameday roster, but with sparse playing time.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Developmental Cornerback
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Upon initial observation, the Bengals appear to have substantial depth in their secondary, yet incorporating a five-year collegiate starter could be beneficial. Specifically, Newton, who started the last two seasons at TCU, accumulated a total of 24 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Despite not being exceptionally fast (4.51 40-yard dash) and lacking a formidable physique, Newton possesses the experience necessary to contribute meaningful playtime from the outset of his rookie season.
A day-three pick on the defensive side of the ball is never a guaranteed thing, but Newton has plenty of talent to eventually earn his way into a larger role.
For now, I consider him a late-round dart throw in IDP rookie drafts. He has some upside but is not a player who will bring you an immediate return on investment, or a high ceiling.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
