Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton Projected To Join Arizona Cardinals In NFL.com's Latest Mock Draft

Shandel Richardson | Apr 8, 2024

Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton; Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton is an expected first-round pick in the NFL Draft on April 25, but his destination remains unknown.

Newton thrived in his senior season for the Illini, recording 52 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. In NFL.com's latest first-round mock draft, writer Adam Rank shared his thoughts on Newton joining the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 27 pick.

"You all have plenty of roster needs in Arizona. After supplying the offense with playmaking extraordinaire Malik Nabers at No. 4," Rank wrote. "I'd like to give the defense a game-wrecker up front. Newton's good value at this juncture."

The pick comes from the Houston Texans while their own pick stands at No. 4. It's a mystery whether or not the Cardinals' front office will keep or deal the top-five pick, but upgrading their defense late in the opening round would help. In 2023, their run defense ranked at the bottom of the league in average rushing yards allowed per game with 143.2.

The scouting report from NFL.com paints Newton as an athletic, versatile tackle with room to build on his progression in college. His pro comparison is listed as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

"Active interior defender with the potential to build on his disruptive production in college. Newton’s size and length don’t stand out, but he has shown a consistent ability to gain extension and set edges against bigger opponents," analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. "Newton is clever in setting up blockers and then beating them with sudden hand usage and foot quickness as both a run defender and a pass rusher. He’s strong enough to hold the point, but he’s not going to overwhelm NFL guards with force or power. His skill level and athleticism should create additional playmaking opportunities for him as a three-down 3-technique with early starting potential."

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor for Illini Now. He can be reached atampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla