Commanders rookie fires warning shot after dramatic NFL Draft slide
Nobody thought the Washington Commanders had a shot at landing Johnny Newton during the 2024 NFL Draft. Most analysts believed he was a first-round lock. Others had him going as high as the 10-15 range thanks to the outstanding athletic attributes at his disposal. A dramatic slide out of the top 32 selections forced general manager Adam Peters to shift gears.
Peters was contemplating going up for Newton but couldn’t work anything out. The Commanders faced a nervous wait, but the formidable defensive lineman dropped right into their laps at No. 36 overall.
Washington didn’t take long to turn in their card and bring Newton on board. Speculation was rife about why the player slid so far from his initial pre-draft projection. This centered on injury issues and his perceived lack of production against the run.
Newton is currently dealing with complications in both feet. It kept him out of Washington’s early offseason workout program, but those in power are confident he can participate in some capacity during their upcoming training camp providing there are no further setbacks.
This is good news for Newton. The former Illinois standout is also eager to silence his doubters and make them pay for overlooking him during the college selection process.
Commanders rookie Johnny Newton is eager to prove people wrong
During an interview for the team’s Raising Hail with the Rookies series, Newton was asked about whether dropping in the draft is serving as extra motivation heading into his rookie campaign. The answer was emphatic.
Washington didn’t take long to turn in their card and bring Newton on board. Speculation was rife about why the player slid so far from his initial pre-draft projection. This centered on injury issues and his perceived lack of production against the run.
Newton is currently dealing with complications in both feet. It kept him out of Washington’s early offseason workout program, but those in power are confident he can participate in some capacity during their upcoming training camp providing there are no further setbacks.
This is good news for Newton. The former Illinois standout is also eager to silence his doubters and make them pay for overlooking him during the college selection process.
Commanders rookie Johnny Newton is eager to prove people wrong
During an interview for the team’s Raising Hail with the Rookies series, Newton was asked about whether dropping in the draft is serving as extra motivation heading into his rookie campaign. The answer was emphatic.
