Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton, a standout defensive tackle from Illinois, was expected to go in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft but ended up slipping to the Washington Commanders in the second round due to a foot injury. Newton underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture, landing him on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. However, he has since been cleared for practice and made his debut at Training Camp with the Commanders, participating in individual position drills.
Although Washington was not in dire need of another defensive tackle with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the roster, they couldn’t pass up on Newton’s talent. Newton may not start immediately, but his recovery and understanding of the defense will be crucial for earning more playing time. Coach Dan Quinn plans to ease Newton back into full activities.
Newton’s return to full health is eagerly anticipated by his teammates and fans as he aims to complement the strong defensive line. Players like Allen are excited to see what Newton can bring to the team, highlighting his work ethic and dedication as key attributes. The Commanders are focused on building a strong culture and becoming a formidable defensive unit in the league.
As Newton continues to learn and grow within the team, the Commanders are hopeful for the future potential of their defensive line. Fans can follow the progress of Newton and the team throughout the 2024 season on CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast. With patience, hard work, and dedication, Newton has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Commanders’ defense in the seasons to come.
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