Jer'Zhan Newton — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Bills are a pretty complete team, and they add another good player in Newton. He gives Buffalo even more pass-rush juice on the interior.

Pete Carroll has been fired, yet remains with the organization as an "advisor". Carroll has been one of the NFL's most successful coaches in his 14 seasons. During his tenure the Seahawks has suffered just two losing seasons, those both 7-win seasons. Carroll helmed the team to two Super Bowls, winning the franchise's only championship in 2014. Given this, most fans actually disagree with Carroll's firing.

It's Carroll's inability to fix the defense that likely led to his downfall. The 'Hawks allowed 371.4 YPG in 2023 (down from 361.7 in 2022), 30th in the NFL. Rushing defense was 31st in the league at 138.4 ypg.

If the 2024 Draft's top D-Lineman falls to the team (as this mock shows), GM John Schneider needs to pounce.

Will Anderson Jr. has been an effective pass rusher all season for Houston and certainly against the Browns. The Texans continue building out the defensive front with the addition of Jer'Zhan Newton.

The Falcons snagged a defensive tackle with similar traits to Grady Jarrett on the interior. Pass-rush specialist.

Leonard Williams is headed for free agency, and the Seahawks find his replacement in one of the draft's top interior defensive linemen, Jer'Zhan Newton.

The Chiefs have gone defense with their first pick in each of the last three drafts, which has played a part in vast improvements on that side of the ball. Newton will be picked apart for his lack of elite length, but he is disruptive against both run and pass, and adding him to the line would give the Chiefs options.

Gone are the days of creating push from just outside the tackle's shoulder. Jer'Zhan Newton is not only a multi-gap plugger in the run game but will draw double teams at 3-tech early in his career. Newton's addition creates favorable matchups for Travon Walker and, if re-signed, Josh Allen.

More than a space-eater on the defensive front, Jer'Zhan Newton is a game-changing defensive tackle. Newton is as strong as they come, yet he brings a nimble pass-rushing game when advantageous.

He'll bull-rush smaller linemen or simply run around after a club or two. It could be said if Newton is available here, the Denver Broncos should sprint their ticket up.

Pairing another versatile, dynamic defensive lineman with Leonard Williams would help the Seahawks lessen the gap with NFC West rival San Francisco. Newton was likely a Day 2 selection had he entered the draft after last season, which motivated him to return to school. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year may be undersized (6-2, 295) for some teams, but he's been a disruptive force the last two seasons against the run and pass. He could go in the top-10 when it's all said and done if he aces the draft process.

The Las Vegas Raiders would also love the opportunity to draft their next franchise quarterback, but with four off the board in the top 12 picks, it only makes sense to wait.

The Raiders need more help at defensive tackle, and Jer'Zhan Newton is the top interior player in the class. Matching him up with Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce would be a massive addition to the defensive line.

Much like the Vikings and Broncos in front of them, I could see the Raiders making an aggressive play for a quarterback in this draft. If they stand pat, Newton bolsters a defense that really came to life when Antonio Pierce took over.

Newton's explosive off the ball for his size and easily works off blockers to shut down the run. I think in a scheme that lets him loose he has much more pass rush upside.

Newton doesn't have incredible counting stats, but a look at his game tape showcases all the ways opponents have to plan around him when he's on the field. While he only finished 2023 with 7.5 sacks, five came in Illinois' final five games. He's a rock up front, a powerful ball of kinetic energy capable of holding his own against double teams or collapsing pockets from inside.

That's a boon for Denver's 3-4 defense, where the 295-pound Newton can handle his business at end. He's proficient on passing and running downs, filling multiple roles and making life easier for the teammates around him.

The Vikings are a prime candidate to take a QB, and I almost made that move here. But there's a good chance Kirk Cousins will return to Minnesota, giving the Vikings the chance to instead take one of the best defensive players in the draft. Outside of Danielle Hunter -- who is a free agent this offseason -- Minnesota had a severe lack of talent along its defensive front.

One of my favorite overall prospects in this class regardless of position, Newton is a disruptive 3-technique who finished the season with 42 pressures, 7.5 sacks and an 11.4% defensive pressure rate. And he simply doesn't come off the field; his 715 snaps ranked seventh among all FBS defensive linemen in 2023. Newton can play from multiple alignments, and he can be included in creative third-down packages because of his versatility and explosiveness as a pass-rusher.

The Saints defensive front seven is aging, with stalwarts Cam Jordan and Demario Davis both 34-plus years old by the start of next season.