The Washington Commanders just selected Illinois football defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
This was a huge pick for the Commanders, as Newton is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the draft. He is also a player who can make a difference on the defensive line for any franchise.
Newton finished his final season with the Illini amassing 52.0 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2.0 pass deflections, and a legacy that is hard to match.
With Newton going off the board in the second round, Illinois fans went crazy for the great selection.
Yessirrr it’s on https://t.co/sSNzvGR19S
— Ty Rodgers (@Ty_rodgers20) April 26, 2024
Make em pay 🫡 https://t.co/k7ndBQJAjm
— Terrence Shannon Jr (@Sn1per_T) April 26, 2024
Commanders getting a real one! I-L-L-
— JP 🧷🇺🇸 (@jjhparker) April 26, 2024
Really good fit for Johnny Newton. He is going to excel. https://t.co/x0mprwylx2
— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) April 26, 2024
@PFTCommenter Newton should have been a first rounder. Clemson DT getting drafted ahead of him just another chip on the shoulder for Johnny 🔶🔷
— Matt Rogers (@Matt_Rogers28) April 26, 2024
The @Commanders are just gonna have 3 ballers at DT. But three guys that are athletic enough to be on the field all at the same time. Johnny Newton is strong as hell. Gets off blocks really well has unusual bend as a pass rusher for a 304lb man. Gotta play the eagles twice a yr!
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 26, 2024
JOHNNY NEWTON BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT
— Illini Nation (@IlliniNation_) April 26, 2024
Boom ! Congrats Johnny. Washington got a stud!!
— Chris Collins (@illiniclc) April 26, 2024
While Illinois football fans had a big reaction to the selection of Johnny Newton, Washington Commanders fans were also ecstatic about the NFL Draft pick
The Commanders are getting a starting-caliber defensive lineman. Newton can come into the franchise and not only make an impact from day one, but I believe he can compete for a starting job.
Newton is one of the best defensive linemen I have seen in the college game. He constantly dealt with double and triple teams, and yet he still managed to become a consensus All-American.
This selection should excite the Commanders' fanbase. They just selected someone who has a legitimate shot at becoming a Pro Bowl player. I believe Newton is going to be a wrecking ball for the franchise, and he is someone who causes game-changing plays.
At the end of the day, I would argue this is one of the steals of the 2024 NFL Draft. There is a reason the Commanders fans are this excited.
People hating on this pick never seen bro play…. He is that dominate
— Shi♠️ (@FamoussQuaiz_) April 26, 2024
Welcome aboard! #RaiseHail
— Darren (@DarrenG1977) April 26, 2024
Let’s gooooooo!!! Huge get
— Oliver Barcia (@oliver_barcia) April 26, 2024
— nc_ (@nc__as) April 26, 2024
Love the pick, bring in the best talent available.
— Big K (Kyle) (@BigK1016Gaming) April 26, 2024