Commanders DT Johnny Newton is Injured, Explains Fall in NFL Draft

Commanders rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton fell in the NFL Draft due to a foot injury, but a new injury helps explain why he fell.

Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Players fall in the NFL Draft all the time. There is always a reason for a fall, whether it be due to injury, need or the draft board falling a certain way, the story of a player's fall often comes to fruition.

When the Washington Commanders selected Illinois DT Johnny Newton, the thought was that he fell to 36th overall due to a Jones fracture that he suffered in his foot. It was fully healed in time for him to host a private workout, but a new injury has sent Newton back to the sideline.

According to Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, Newton's foot that had surgery is fine, but his other foot will now require a procedure.

Dan Quinn on Johnny Newton.

Said the foot that had surgery is fine -- but now his other foot had an issue. Procedure upcoming.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 11, 2024

This was a major worry with Newton. When you have a foot injury at that size, it can cause a ripple effect on your body. Other body parts can start to overcompensate and end up suffering injuries because of it. Did that happen to Newton? We can't know for sure, but it's certainly not out of the question and raises a red flag with his future.