Commanders snag DL Newton in Round 2

The Washington Commanders selected Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 36 overall.

Many considered Newton as this year's top interior defensive lineman prospect. He was the third player at his position off the board after Byron Murphy II and Ruke Orhorhoro.

Newton, who had a career-high 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2023, will add upside and depth to a solid Commanders defensive line that features Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Washington kicked off its 2024 draft by taking quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

Pre-draft profile

The latest defensive stud from Illinois, Newton has the makings of a superstar lineman. He's got everything you want to see from a high-end interior pass-rusher. Newton enters the league having demonstrated a wide array of rush moves and the advanced plan to put it all together. Matching his lateral quickness will be no easy task for guards, and he can convert speed to power for an effective bull rush when he gets opponents on their heels. Newton is also slippery in the run game, easily defeating blocks and making plays on the ball. He'll need to play with a more consistent pad level to ensure that his size doesn't become an issue, but he has elite traits across the board. Put him at the three-technique and let him eat.