Tag: DT Jer’Zhan Newton

Logan Paulsen grades Commanders 2024 draft class

The former Washington TE analyzes each of the Commanders’ rookies.

Logan Paulsen is always a good listen, and he did not disappoint grading the Commanders’ rookie class.

Paulsen and Craig Hoffman broke down the 2024 class in an episode of their “Take Command” podcast this week.

For now, Commanders Wire will provide selected summary statements by Paulsen. Here is the episode in full. 

  • Jayden Daniels (Rd 1, 2)   “The number one thing for me was his consistency…The amount of work each week to get back to that pinnacle…for him to come back each and every week and trust the process was impressive.”
  • Jer’Zhan Newton (Rd 2, 36)  “At times he was physically outmatched…I am excited to see him in year two with a full offseason…I do think you see the work ethic, the physical play.”
  • Mike Sainristil (Rd 2, 50)  “What Sainristil did this year can’t be overstated…The flexibility he brought to the defense…he embodies what it means to be a Commander…he’s a special football player.”
  • Ben Sinnott (Rd 2, 53) “You see the athlete, the physicality, the want-to…he is not the underneath route running winner that Zach Ertz is…at times he had a lack of awareness in the run game.”
  • Brandon Coleman (Rd 3, 67)  “He probably exceeded expectations playing tackle…he has moved from guard to tackle at TCU…he’s a good athlete…He is for sure a starting NFL offensive lineman.”
  • Luke McCaffrey (Rd 3, 100)  “He is not yet a great separator; only played receiver two years previously…he competes, he’s tough…he’s a bigger body guy…what is his role next year?”
  • Jordan Magee (Rd 5, 139)  “He’s got that competitive dog…was injured in preseason then again in season…I’m excited for him to get healthy and play…
  • Dominique Hampton (Rd 5, 161)  “was learning a new position, being converted from safety down to linebacker…might not ever play in the NFL..
  • Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Rd 7, 222)  “like his length, play strength…for a 7th round pick to be in the mix for playing time next year that is a good thing…he’s a nice find (at 222).
  • Tyler Owens (UFA) “A special teams maniac…that may be how he makes his NFL money”
  • Colson Yankoff (UFA) “Another maniac, fast, big, strong…really covered kicks well… Yankoff and Owens have roles for next year”

 

 

Who did the Commanders get in Jer’Zhan Newton?

What are the Commanders getting in Newton?

Jer’Zhan Newton was the name announced by the Hall of Fame former Redskins cornerback Darrell Green as the 36th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Who is Newton?

Well, first of all, I was surprised the big defensive tackle who played at the University of Illinois was not selected in the first round Thursday night.

You see, Newton was listed by most analysts as one of the top 30 players in this draft.

The Commanders already have Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. So why did Adam Peters select Newton? Perhaps it’s because Peters honestly felt he was the best player available. Newton is 6-foot-3, 304 pounds, and stood out during Illinois games this past season.

The Commanders desperately need an offensive tackle, but with the run on tackles last night in round one, it was expected they would not reach at No. 36 for an offensive tackle. Unlike the prior administration, this group led by Peters chose a good player they were most likely surprised was still available.

Preferring “Johnny,” Newton was an All-American during the 2023 season. For his stellar play, Newton was awarded the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and also the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award. He was also First-Team All-Big Ten in both of his last two seasons for Illinois (2022, 2023).

Peters took Newton to get the best player despite the fact that he already possesses two fine defensive tackles. He is, after all, attempting to build the best roster possible, not reach and fill a position.

There is a huge difference.

Newton was born in St Petersburg, Florida and played his high school ball at Clearwater Central Catholic.