Newton (6-foot-2, 304 pounds), who goes by “Johnny,” was a surprising pick given Washington’s defensive line depth. The 21-year-old is a slightly undersized tackle who figures to rotate in behind Jon Allen and Daron Payne and compete for snaps with John Ridgeway and Phidarian Mathis. Multiple analysts gave Newton first-round grades and projected him as a starting “three technique,” meaning he’d line up between the offensive guard and tackle. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. could move Newton around to create mismatches out of a three-man front.
In reports, experts describe Newton as a skilled, creative rusher who was a disruptive force as a three-year starter at Illinois. In his senior year, he registered 7.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, two batted passes and a forced fumble en route to winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. NFL.com compared him to 49ers tackle Javon Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler. Newton said he’s “fully healed” from a slight Jones fracture in his foot that he suffered late last season, which prevented him from testing at the NFL scouting combine. During his pro day, he did lineman-focused drills but skipped the 40-yard dash.
“I feel like I’m dominant,” Newton said Friday night. “My football IQ is really high.”
