Newton (6-foot-2, 304 pounds), who goes by “Johnny,” was a surprising pick given Washington’s defensive line depth. But Peters said the team had a first-round grade on him; when he slipped in the draft, Peters said, Quinn assured him the coaches could get everyone on the field. So Peters followed the philosophy of “best player available.”
Newton, 21, is a slightly undersized tackle who figures to rotate in behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne and compete for snaps with John Ridgeway and Phidarian Mathis. Multiple analysts projected Newton as a starting “three technique,” meaning he would 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.
Analysts have described 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.”
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