No. 34, Illinois DL Johnny Newton

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have invested heavily in the defensive line during the past two NFL Drafts. Brian Gutekunst selected Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and drafted Lukas Van Ness in the first round the following year. Along with those two first-rounders, Gutekunst has selected Kingsley Enagbare, Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks over the past two years.

With those young pieces in place alongside Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and TJ Slaton, the Packers have the makings of a formidable defensive line for first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

If the Packers opt to add another defensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft a potential target is Johnny “Jer’Zhan” Newton. The Illinois defensive tackle checks in at No. 34 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown. 

A three-star recruit, Newton recorded 1.5 sacks during his first season in Champaign. The following season the Florida native recorded 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2022, Newton recorded 62 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

This past season Newton was named the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year after he recorded 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Newton also blocked four kicks. 

“Johnny Newton’s impact was clear during the Wisconsin game,” Jeremy Werner, the publisher of the IlliniInquirer.com, said. “When he was in the game, Illinois had a 21-10 lead as Newton wreaked havoc on the Wisconsin backfield, totaling six tackles, four pressures, three quarterback hits and one sack. But after he was ejected for a controversial targeting penalty with about 10 minutes left, Wisconsin tore up Illinois for two long touchdown drives to win the game 25-21. That’s just one example. Newton during his last two years was the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in college football, totaling 103 quarterback pressures during the last two seasons, by far the most at his position. That interior pressure helped a talented secondary in 2022 — which included top-70 draft picks Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin and Sydney Brown — make plays on the ball. Newton also was known as one of the hardest workers on the team and was a respected team captain and from all accounts a great teammate. He also barely came off the field, which helped his team immensely, even playing on field goal…