2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Illinois DL Jer’Zhan Newton
Jer'Zhan Newton
Illinois
Report Grade
Position Rank
Overall Rank
Jer'Zhan Newton
Illinois
Player Comp
Projection
Height
Weight
40 Time
Class
DL
Combine Measurables
Arm Length
Hand Size
Wingspan
3 Cone
Vertical
Broad Jump
Bench Press
Shuttle
Career Stats
| Year | School | Class | Games | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Total Tackles | Tackles For Loss | Sacks | Interceptions | Passes Defended | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Illinois | FR | 7 | 6 | 17 | 23 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | Illinois | FR | 12 | 19 | 31 | 50 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Illinois | SO | 13 | 28 | 33 | 61 | 14.0 | 5.5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Strengths
- Tremendous contact balance in the trenches
- Sheds blocks and attacks the ball extremely well
- Does a very good job of reading and attacking the ball at the point of attack
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t possess the body lean and bend that other defensive ends show on film
- Evasive moves like spins and swims need some refinement
- Lacks an elite level of explosiveness at the snap
Bio
2024 NFL Draft: Jer’Zhan Newton Draft Profile and Scouting Report
Jer’Zhan Newton first popped onto the scene in 2020 after playing in all eight games, and starting two, during a COVID-shortened season. Since then, he’s been a consistent force on the defensive line for the Fighting Illini. Last season, he led the Power 5 in pressures among interior defensive linemen, as well as making multiple season award lists.
Jer’Zhan Newton 40 Time
Projected 40 Time: 5.00 seconds
Jer’Zhan Newton is a three-year contributor on the defensive line for the University of Illinois. He’s been used in a variety of roles, although I think he fits best as a defensive end at the next level. Newton possesses solid height and weight for all positions on the defensive line. Our projected 40 time of 5.00 seconds is solid for the defensive tackle position, but several tenths slower that the average time for defensive ends.
Newton has good contact balance at the line of scrimmage to remain upright and engaged with the ball through the rep. Displays a good ability to shed blocks and attack the ball. Reads and diagnoses quickly at the point of attack and with good aggression.
He has adequate bend and body lean on stunts up the middle. I would like to see him refine some of his evasive moves, such as spins and swims. At times, he can be a bit of a stiff runner at the line of scrimmage. Finally, I would like to see him show more explosiveness on the snap.
Recruiting Bio
Jer’Zhan Newton graduated from Clearwater Central Catholic High School in Clearwater, Florida, where he played football for head coach Chris Harvey. He was a consensus three-star recruiting prospect. ESPN and 247Sports both had him ranked outside of the top 100 for the state of Florida. On3 had him ranked outside of the top 1,000, as per his industry Ranking of 83.80.
Prior to his commitment to the University of Illinois, Jer’Zhan Newton had offers from Florida, West Virginia, and Cincinnati, among many others. In August of 2019, Newton officially committed to the University of Maryland. However, on National Signing Day, Newton decommitted from Maryland. On the same day, he committed to Illinois and signed his letter of intent. He officially enrolled in August of 2020.
Jer’Zhan Newton has an estimated NIL worth of $456,000.
Accolades
- 2022 Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp, Associated Press, CBS, Pro Football Focus)
- 2022 First-Team All-Big Ten (Coaches and Media)
- 2022 Third-Team All-American (Phil Steele)
2024 DL Rankings
#1
Leonard Taylor
DL – Miami (FL)
#2
Tyler Davis
DL – Clemson
#3
Michael Hall Jr
DL – Ohio State
#4
Nazir Stackhouse
DL – Georgia
