Is Johnny Newton Lions' DT of Future?
The Detroit Lions were tested from a depth perspective on the defensive line in 2023.
Alim McNeill was enjoying a breakout season before suffering a knee injury that would sideline him four weeks. In his absence, the Lions were forced to utilize several other players on the interior.
Detroit had already been having difficulties finding a consistent pairing with McNeill, utilizing Benito Jones, Isaiah Buggs and Levi Onwuzurike in that role. When McNeill went down, the defense was forced to work even more to find good production.
As a result, the Lions would benefit from adding young talent at the position. Brodric Martin is expected to play a bigger role after being active for just three games last year, but he profiles as a true nose tackle without much versatility.
Adding a prospect who can line up in multiple techniques could be beneficial. Among the best defensive linemen in the 2024 Draft is Illinois' Jer'Zhan 'Johnny' Newton, and he would be a good scheme fit for Aaron Glenn's defense.
Newton met with the Lions at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and provided a glowing review after his media session.
He didn't work out at the Combine, as he is still recovering from a Jones fracture, but will likely show off his skill at Illinois' Pro Day.
The fit makes plenty of sense. It's an area of need, and Newton brings plenty of skill on the interior.
While playing for the Fighting Illini, the talented defender logged 18 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over four seasons. He had 43 pressures across 12 games during his final collegiate season.
Newton is quick off the line of scrimmage, not wasting any time getting out of his stance and going after opposing quarterbacks. That quickness shows up on tape, as he can also chase down plays.
Additionally, he is a physical pass-rusher who has a variety of moves that he can win with. This is unique for an interior prospect, as he can win with clubs and swim moves.
If he is stifled with his moves, he can get by utilizing pure force and simply bull rushing opposing guards. There's plenty to like about his style and toughness.
The Lions are still waiting to get a concrete evaluation on Onwuzurike, who was a second-round pick in 2021. Injuries have hindered his progress, as he missed all of 2022 with a back injury.
As the clock ticks on Onwuzurike, the Lions would be wise to add competition. Buggs was released late in the regular season, and veteran Tyson Alualu is set to be a free agent.
This would allow Newton to make a case to start right away and make an impact. One area where he struggled in college is against double teams, but he wouldn't get that sort of attention early as the Lions already have McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson to worry about.
His ability to rush the passer is also a skill where Detroit was lacking at his position. The defense had difficulties pressuring quarterbacks, which led to the pass defense getting exposed at points.
The Illinois product may not slip to Detroit's first selection at No. 29 overall. However, with an abundance of talented skill players and positional value dictating selections elsewhere, he could wind up falling into Brad Holmes' hands in April.
Should he get that far, the Lions would benefit greatly from bringing him in as he seems to be a strong fit both culturally and schematically.
