Tag: Jer’Zhan Newton

Seahawks take another Illinois defender in this way-too-early 2024 mock draft

The Seattle Seahawks’ 2023 NFL draft class has a distinctly Midwest flavor to it.

The Seattle Seahawks’ 2023 NFL draft class has a distinctly Midwest flavor to it – with almost half of their picks coming from the Big Ten conference. At the top of the class is cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who comes from an pro-level defense at Illinois.

There’s still a whole year to go before next year’s draft, but one way-too-early 2024 mock draft has Seattle hitting up that Fighting Illini defense again. In Doug Farrar’s ’24 mock the Seahawks select Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton at No. 16 overall. Newton (6-foot-2, 280 pounds) posted 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss as a Junior. Here are the highlights.

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Browns Film Room: Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton is best-kept secret in 2023 NFL Draft

As the Browns continue to look for defensive tackle help, there is a well-kept secret at the University of Illinois in Jer’Zhan Newton.

It is never too early for 2023 NFL Draft content, especially for the Cleveland Browns who currently sit at 3-6 on the season. Fielding the worst defensive tackle room in the NFL by a healthy margin, this position remains at the top of the needs list for the Browns.

The top names like Georgia’s Jalen Carter and Clemson’s Bryan Bresee are going to be out of the reach of the Browns, who lack a first round pick. This leaves a guy like Alabama’s Byron Young square in the crosshairs of the Browns. There is, however, another big name who is flying under the radar in Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.

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