Meet the Prospect: ‘Jer’Zhan Newton’ that did not participate in the Combine or Illinois’ pro day due to…..

Newton did not participate in the Combine or Illinois’ pro day due to recovering from foot surgery in the offseason. However, he aims to undergo testing for NFL scouts before the upcoming draft.

Newton is a dynamic and strong interior defender known for disrupting opponents in their own territory during his time at Illinois. Last season, he topped the nation in quarterback pressures among interior defenders with 44, according to Pro Football Focus, which was 15 more than any other Big Ten player.

Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy, Newton led Illinois with 7.5 sacks and set a school record with four blocked kicks. His stats included 52 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in 12 games. Throughout his Illini career, he totaled 27.5 tackles for loss and 18.0 sacks—an impressive record for an interior player.

Although the Lions recently signed DJ Reader and have Alim McNeill returning, Newton, possibly a late first-round pick, could be a good fit for Detroit. Despite not having standout physical attributes, his speed, technique, and tactical understanding allow him to excel against larger opponents. His intelligence and edge-rushing ability could quickly make him part of Detroit’s defensive line rotation.

Key Points:

• Newton was the fourth Illinois player and first in nearly three decades to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
• He was the sole defensive tackle among Nagurski Trophy finalists.
• Newton’s 18.0 career sacks tie with College Football Hall of Famer Moe Gardner for the most by an Illinois defensive tackle.

Notable Quotes: Greg Cosell, a senior producer at NFL Films, praises Newton’s agility, handwork, and projection as a 1-gap penetrating DT. Daniel Jeremiah and Dane Brugler rank Newton among the top 50 prospects. Mel Kiper Jr. lists Newton as the 5th defensive tackle prospect. Field Yates ranks Newton at 35. Matt Miller positions Newton as the 34th prospect. Jordan Reid places Newton at 23, highlighting his defensive pressure rate and snap count. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com rates Newton as the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft.

Newton, reflecting on his abilities, attributes his success to his background as a high school running back and his quick first step and attacking mindset on the defensive line.