Prospect Watch List - Jer'zhan Newton
In a relatively weak Defensive Tackle class lacking in depth and quality, the few elite ones are bound to cost a premium this upcoming draft. There aren’t that many DT's that warrant a premium pick, so allow us to cost a spotlight on a particular talent that does.
Today our spotlight shines on...
Jer'zhan Newton Position: Defensive Tackle Team: Illinois HT/WT: 6'2" , 295lbs
Pro Comp: Ed Oliver (Buffalo Bills) #9 Overall Pick(2019) , PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
Scouting Report
· Constantly has natural leverage against blockers due to his smaller stature
· Attacks blockers with agility
· Possesses good athleticism and quickness
· Quick off the snap which allows for gap penetration
· Explodes into blockers
· Plays with consistent motor
· Decent against the run, racked up 14 tackles for loss in 2022.
· Disrupts the pass game through pass deflections at the line
· Still yet to have a double digit sack season but has shown the ability to constantly pressure the QB amassing at least 5 sacks from the interior in each of his last 2 seasons
· Undersized – short and lacks weight
· Gets clogged up against Wide bodied blockers
· Failed to convert explosiveness into impressive sack totals
· Could benefit from adding more muscle and strength to his profile to overcome double teams and physically overwhelm in 1 on 1 situations.
· Struggles in downhill run defence
· Weak lateral anchor
· Lacks functional strength
Jer'Zhan Newton stands out as a top-tier interior defensive prospect with exceptional leverage and agility, projecting him as a potential first-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has all the tools to improve in the pass rushing department and turn into a perennial 10 sack producer. He'll fit well in modern, versatile defensive schemes that value quickness and technique over size. More time in the gym to add more mass to his frame should be beneficial for his Pro career coming up against mammoth sized Interior Offensive linemen.
Teams will likely look past his size deficiency, focusing instead on his potential as a dynamic and versatile playmaker on the defensive line for years to come.