In what was initially considered a masterstroke by the Washington Commanders, selecting Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton in the second round has suddenly cast a shadow of doubt over their draft class.
Newton, a player once heralded as a Day 1 NFL Draft prospect by scouts and analysts, is now grappling with a troubling recurrence of foot injuries. This development comes on the heels of an announcement by John Keim of ESPN that Newton will need surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot.
This isn’t the first time Newton has faced such an ordeal. During the 2023 season at Illinois, he underwent a similar procedure on his right foot. This pattern of injuries might shed light on why he was available at the 36th overall pick, and it now poses a significant concern as the Commanders step into the Dan Quinn coaching era.
The Weight of Expectations From Johnny Newton
Newton’s journey to the NFL has been marked by impressive feats, including a stellar final season where he racked up 52 total tackles (26 solo) and 7.5 sacks, earning him the 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors. His prowess on the field suggested he could be a foundational piece for any defense, ideally fitting the role of a three-down NFL 3-tech defensive tackle.
However, his recurring foot issues have cast a long shadow. “After being sidelined between having his procedure in January and returning for his pro day on April 16, Newton missed roughly three months,” explained Dan Quinn during a recent media appearance. This history provides a grim forecast for his latest recovery timeline.
Johnny Newton following the path wearing that #95 his rookie year #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/dUIWECJznI
— KB 🏈 (@KBDCSports) May 9, 2024
A Setback for the Washington Commanders
As the Commanders navigate the complexities of their new era under Quinn, the uncertainty surrounding Newton’s ability to contribute casts a pall over their recent draft choices. Despite his top-tier talent—being ranked No. 25 on Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network’s top 150 prospects for 2024—the recurrence of foot injuries is not just a personal battle for Newton but a strategic dilemma for the team.
Newton’s absence was palpable at Washington’s rookie minicamp, where he was seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot. The sight of him sidelined so early in his career is disheartening, especially when considering the potential impact he could have on the team’s performance.
Recovery and Resilience
While it’s too early for the Commanders to feel buyer’s remorse, the situation underscores the risks inherent in the draft process, particularly with players who have documented injury histories. The Commanders and their fans must now pin their hopes on Newton’s recovery and his potential to overcome these setbacks.
As the team looks ahead, the focus will undoubtedly be on Newton’s healing process and the management’s ability to navigate this unforeseen challenge. The resilience and adaptation shown in the coming months will be critical as the Commanders aim to solidify their defensive lineup and push forward in the highly competitive landscape of the NFL.
