Newton (6-2, 304 pounds), who goes by “Johnny,” was a surprising pick given Washington’s defensive line depth. But Peters said the team had a first-round grade on him; when he slipped, Peters said, Quinn assured him the coaches could get everyone on the field. So Peters followed the philosophy of “best player available.”
Newton, 21, is a slightly undersized tackle who figures to rotate in behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne and compete for snaps with John Ridgeway and Phidarian Mathis. Multiple analysts projected Newton as a starting “three technique,” meaning he would line up between the offensive guard and tackle. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. could move Newton around to create mismatches out of a three-man front.
Analysts have described Newton as a skilled, creative rusher who was a disruptive force as a three-year starter at Illinois. In his senior year, he registered 7.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, two batted passes and a forced fumble en route to winning Big Ten defensive player of the year honors. NFL.com compared him to 49ers tackle Javon Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowl pick. Newton said he’s “fully healed” from a slight Jones fracture in his foot that he suffered late last season, which prevented him from testing at the NFL combine. During his pro day, he did lineman-focused drills but skipped the 40-yard dash.
“I feel like I’m dominant,” he said Friday night. “My football IQ is really high.”
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