Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Johnny Newton is considered to be the premium interior defensive lineman available in the 2024 NFL Draft. Cut on Newton's tape and it's easy to understand why. The Saint Petersburg, Florida native is a powerful and disruptive lineman with three-down potential.
A quick-footed pass rusher, Newton uses a variety of well-advanced moves to impact opposing pockets. In 2023, the 6-foot-2, 295-pound Newton recorded 52 tackles and a career-high 7.5 sacks. This is a prospect that carries double-digit sack potential on an annual basis. We've identified three ideal team fits for Newton in the 2024 NFL Draft.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Playing against Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the AFC West makes fielding a strong defensive line a necessity for the Raiders. Maxx Crosby is an elite pass rusher, but the Raiders have struggled to pair him with effective running mates on the interior. Tyree Wilson experienced a difficult rookie campaign, and the Raiders should continue adding building blocks to their defensive line.
The Raiders are currently going through the process of appointing a new full-time general manager and head coach. They have terrific in-house candidates in Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce. Through player support and on-field results down the stretch, Pierce is expected to have the interim title removed. If so, building up the defensive line will make even more sense with their first-round selection. Pierce is a hard-nosed former player who will appreciate Newton's motor and effort on a snap-by-snap basis.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
No team experienced a more disappointing campaign in 2023 than the Jaguars. Winners of nine games and the AFC South last season, the Jaguars were expected to take a considerable step forward in year three of the Trevor Lawrence era. Instead, the Jaguars managed nine victories while failing to finish atop a weakened division, missing the postseason altogether.
Defensive weaknesses were glaring. The Jaguars allowed a 22nd-ranked 342.8 yards of offense per contest and finished 25th in the league in sacks with just 40 quarterback takedowns. Better depth is needed as Josh Allen accounted for nearly half of those (17.5). Former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker is beginning to come along, but Newton would add a much-needed intimidation factor up the middle.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings’ defense overachieved throughout the 2023 season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores deserves a ton of credit for getting rookie and sophomore contributors to play above their expected level. Luckily for Vikings fans, Flores isn’t receiving the head coaching interest he deserves and appears primed to return for the 2024 season.
EDGE rusher Danielle Hunter enjoyed a resurgent campaign under Flores' guidance by recording a career-high 16.5 sacks. The Vikings could use more production from their interior defensive linemen, however. While Hunter was a wrecking ball, additional sack production did not arrive from the inside. Harrison Phillips just isn’t that type of player. Drafting Newton to pair with Hunter, who is due to receive a contract extension, would give the Vikings more inside-outside versatility.
