It is a bit of a shock that Illinois football defensive tackle Johnny Newton wasn’t selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
There were multiple great landing spots for Newton in the first round. I thought a handful of teams between picks No. 20 and No. 30 could have used the former Illini consensus All-American.
But teams passed up on the talented defensive tackle. Interior defensive line wasn’t a priority for franchises, and this dropped Newton down and out of the first round.
Rounds two and three will kick off on Friday night starting at 6:00 p.m. CT. Don’t be late to the party, though. I believe Newton is going to go early in the second round.
Best possible landing spots in the 2024 NFL Draft for Illinois football legend Johnny Newton
Arizona Cardinals – Round 2; Pick 3
The Cardinals have done a great job surrounding Kyler Murray with talent on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense needs some help.
Arizona’s defensive tackles got an upgrade the last couple of seasons with the signing of Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones. They are solid players, but the Cardinals need more depth.
Newton could come into the franchise and be the primary backup at defensive tackle. He would get snaps from day one, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him get some starts as a rookie. Out of all the teams that draft early in the second round, Newton would make the biggest impact with the Cardinals.
Los Angeles Chargers – Round 2; Pick 5
With the hiring of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are going through some organizational changes. He is going to want to bring in his own talent.
I like what Los Angeles did in the first round by selecting offensive lineman Joe Alt to pair with Rashawn Slater in attempting to protect Justin Herbert. The Chargers need to start focusing on the defensive side of the ball, though.
Los Angeles plays a 3-4 defense, and that is what Newton was used to at Illinois. That is why if he drops to pick No. 5 in the second round, the Chargers would be a great landing spot.
Poona Ford is a nice nose tackle, but he isn’t anything to write home about. Ford is the projected starter heading into the 2024 season, but if Newton is picked in the second round, look for him to make a push for the starting job. Newton’s work ethic and ability are going to make him an intriguing option for the Chargers.
Tennessee Titans – Round 2; Pick 6
I am not quite sure what the Titans are doing as a franchise, but they need some defensive help in the worst way.
Tennessee also plays a 3-4 defense, which Newton is familiar with. As of right now, the Titans have Sebastian Joseph-Day starting at nose tackle heading into the 2024 campaign. He is a journeyman defensive lineman, so that job is not set in stone.
Newton dropping to No. 6 in the second round would be a bit surprising, but if he does, Tennessee would be wise to take him at this spot. He would help the franchise instantly, and there is a solid chance he will enter next season as the starter. While the team record might not be good, Newton would get a lot of snaps in year one for the Titans.