2024 NFL Draft: Jaguars Attend Jer'Zhan Newton's Pro Day

Newton could be the first defensive tackle off the board next Thursday.

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

The Jacksonville Jaguars got a close look at one of the draft's top defenders on Monday.

According to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz, the Jaguars were one of 20+ teams present for Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton's Pro Day on Monday. Monday marked Newton's first workout of the draft season, making it a meaningful exhibition for all teams involved.

Newton has been sidelined most of the draft process after surgery on a partial jones fracture in his pinky toe. He has been frequently touted as either the No. 1 or No. 2 defensive tackle in the 2024 draft class.

A Clearwater, Florida native, Newton was ranked by 247Sports as a three-star recruit. He was the No. 1,057 recruit in the country, the No. 51 strong side defensive end, and the No. 138 recruit in the state. 

Newton ultimately chose Illinois over offers from Georgia Tech, Maryland, Boston College, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Florida, Florida State, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Kentucky, Miami, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina, Rutgers, Southern Miss., Syracuse, Toledo, UCF, USF, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.

Newton played in eight games and started two during his freshman season in 2020, recording 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. In 2021, the redshirt freshman started 11 games and recorded 50 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. 

In 2022, Newton led all Power-5 interior defensive lineman in pressures and led Illinois in TFLs (14.0), sacks (5.5), quarterback hurries (11), and fumble recoveries (2). After starting all 13 games, he was ranked a Bednarik Award semifinalist and made the All-Big Ten First Team.

In 2023, Newton became the fourth defender in program history to earn the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and first in 29 years, while also being the only defensive tackle on the Nagurski finalist list and a Unanimous All-American.