CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois All-American defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round (No. 36 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Newton is the third-highest drafted defensive tackle in Illinois history, behind only No. 18 overall pick Corey Liuget (2011, San Diego) and No. 3 overall pick Joe Rutgens (1961, Washington).
Newton was one of the most dominant defensive players in Illinois history, earning consensus All-America accolades while also being voted the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, the fourth Illini to ever earn the honor, and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Newton’s long list of accolades in 2023 was also highlighted by being a Nagurski Trophy finalist, as one of the nation’s top-five defensive players.
Newton led Power-5 defensive tackles in quarterback pressures for the second straight season in 2023, according to PFF. His 44 pressures during the regular season led all Big Ten defensive tackles by 15, and he also led Big Ten defensive tackles in sacks with 7.5, which ranked second overall in the conference. Over the last two seasons, Newton totaled 103 quarterback pressures, by far the most in the nation among defensive tackles.
Newton ranked in the top three of nearly every statistical category among defensive tackles during the 2023 regular season, including third in sacks, defensive stops, and quarterback hits, plus first in snaps played. He also ranked seventh in the nation in tackles among defensive tackles with 52, which ranked third among Power-5 defensive tackles and first among Big Ten defensive tackles, and led the nation in blocked kicks with four.
Notes
• Newton is the third-highest drafted defensive tackle in Illinois history, behind only No. 18 overall pick Corey Liuget (2011, San Diego) and No. 3 overall pick Joe Rutgens (1961, Washington).
• Newton is the second Illini drafted by Washington in the last two years, following second-round pick Jartavius Martin last season.
• Newton is the 52nd NFL Draft pick in Bret Bielema‘s 15 seasons as a head coach.
• Newton is third-highest drafted defender in Bret Bielema‘s 15 seasons as a head coach, behind only Pro Bowlers J.J. Watt (2011, Houston, No. 11) and Devon Witherspoon (2023, Seattle, No. 5).
• Newton is the 254th NFL Draft pick in Illinois history,…
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