SOCIAL REACTIONS: The Washington Commanders Select Jer'Zhan Newton No. 36 Overall

Commanders fans are mixed on the team's selection of the former Illinois star.

The Washington Commanders had the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and decided to take their franchise QB of the future in former LSU Tiger and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

A consensus seemed that with their early pick in the second round, they likely would be looking to improve their defensive secondary. However, it appears that the front office decided to go a different route as the Commanders ended up selecting one of the best players still available in Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan 'Johnny' Newton.

Newton had a good career with the Illini, racking up a total of 187 tackles (27.5 TFL), 18 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His best season by far was his senior season in 2023 where he was awarded recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a 2023 Consensus All-American.

The Commanders fans are a bit mixed on the pick overall. Check out some of their reactions below.

Oh ffs. We have clear needs and DBs fell super hard

Thought this was supposed to be a new era

— Treyding Stocks (@TreydingStocks) April 26, 2024

Best player available but out of all our needs this is crazy

— Rcblue⚒️ (@rcblue5) April 26, 2024

Tremendous value. He has a 1st round grade…I hear he had medical concerns to drop this far. Now we can rotate at DT! Love the pick! Best available

— Nna Mmadu👨🏾‍🍼 (@_IKENNA_) April 26, 2024

OT AND CB WERE RIGHT THERE LMFAOOOOO

— Sean 🪖 (@CommiesSean) April 26, 2024

garbage. we did not need him.

— ali ッ (@WalkDwnAli) April 26, 2024

Kool Aid and Adonai were right there.....what are we doing?

— Cules (@Szuzuk1) April 26, 2024

*Article courtesy of Caleb Skinner

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