Scouting Report: Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton (IDL) - Illinois
Sales Pitch: “Undersized athletic defensive tackle who best fits as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. Newton is a highly intelligent player who utilizes his hands and quickness well as a run defender and pass rusher.”
Athletic Profile
Height: 6’ 1 3/4”
Weight: 304 lbs
Arm Length: 32 3/8”
Hand Size: 9.5”
40 Yard Dash: N/A
10 Yard Split: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
Short Shuttle: N/A
3-Cone: N/A
Age: 21
Relative Athletic Score: N/A
Statistics
Career: 123 Pressures - 16 Sacks - 112 Tackles - 100 Run Stops
2023: 43 Pressures - 8 Sacks - 33 Tackles - 32 Run Stops
Strengths
Good athlete with excellent balance and agility
Quick first step as a pass rusher and single gap penetrator in the run game
High end speed rusher with the ability to turn the corner with flexibility
Nuanced pass rush plan that displays a variety of moves
Quick accurate hands as a pass rusher
Anchor ability and natural leverage to neutralize block at the point of attack
Very good ability to diagnose the run pre and post snap
Strong hands allow him to quickly shed blocks and fill the hole
Maintains gap integrity on a regular basis and forces ball carriers to bounce
Disciplined pass rusher who does a good job corralling scrambling quarterbacks
Elite effort and motor in pursuit as a run defender and pass rusher
Agile feet allow him to quickly navigate traffic in pursuit
Lateral quickness and low pad level make him a dynamic stunter
Weaknesses
Undersized for an interior defensive lineman
Likely only a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE
Can be late to get out of his stance on run plays
Lacks the play strength to clear blockers and finish consistently on pass rush reps
Average power rush arsenal outside of his long arm
Struggles to hold vs double teams and powerful tackles down blocks
Summary
Jer’Zhan Newton, who prefers to go by Johnny, is a former three-star recruit from the state of Florida. Newton has been a consistent playmaker for the Illinois defensive line for the better part of 4 years. The 2023 captain played 749 snaps in 2023, the second most of any defensive lineman in college football. Newton is an undersized athletic tackle who excels as a pass rusher. His blend of quickness and natural leverage makes him difficult to contain regardless of alignment. Newton is at his best as a speed rusher where he has an advanced rush plan that primarily features the two hand swipe, swim move and club rip. He is also particularly effective as a stunter due to his plus lateral agility and flexibility. Despite being sub-300 pounds, Newton is still an above average run defender due to his high end mental processing. He is excellent at using his anchor and length to hold lineman at bay before shedding his block and tracking down ball carriers. Newton’s strong hands and long arms allow him to control a majority of offensive lineman despite him lacking high end play strength or size. Few things pop more on Newton’s tape than his effort and motor. He consistently makes tackles late in the play coming from the backside in both run and pass defense. His plus agility and excellent feel for space allows him to quickly navigate traffic and chase down fleeing ball carriers. Newton projects as either a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE, in either both a 1 or 2 gap scheme. His lack of size might reduce his ability to move up and down the line outside of true pass rush scenarios but his motor and IQ indicate an immediate impact starter. Newton is projected to be mid to late first rounder due his plus athletic tools and pro ready pass rush ability.