The 2024 NFL draft was the first real look at the Washington Commanders‘ new general manager. Adam Peters had spent 20 years in the league in various roles involving scouting and player personnel, but this is his first GM position and not many knew what to expect. Selecting Jayden Daniels was a no-brainer, and the other eight picks were largely defensive, save Ben Sinnott, Luke McCaffrey and Brandon Coleman.
The very first defensive player Peters selected was defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton. In 16 games during his rookie campaign, Newton recorded 44 tackles (19 solo), two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass defensed, and seven stuffs. No one expected him to start as early as he did, or perform the way he did, and Pro Football Focus thinks Newton can be the most improved defensive tackle in 2025.
The Commanders entered the 2024 season with Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen as their starting defensive tackles, and adding Newton to the fold in the 2024 NFL Draft felt like a case of the rich getting richer. Newton was a force on the Illinois defensive line, notching 102 pressures and 11 sacks in his final two seasons in college while earning 91.5 and 84.9 grades in 2022 and 2023.
Allen was restricted to just right games in 2024, and that paved the way for Newton to start earlier than initially expected. In 16 games, Newton earned a 52.7 grade, 95th out of 143 defensive tackles, though his 23 quarterback pressures were 49th at the position. He flashed his pass-rushing traits in a seven-pressure game against the Bears, and moments like that are indicators of Newton’s potential, potential that can be matured in 2025.
Newton won’t play every down for the Commanders – they still have Payne on the roster and added Javon Kinlaw in free agency, but he’ll provide valuable reps as a pass-rusher while hopefully continuing to grow against the run. That’s plausible, too. Newton’s 5.9% missed tackle rate was low, and he has the physical tools to impress. A big season in 2025 could be on the horizon for Newton and the Commanders.
Newton doesn’t need to play every down because the Commanders have Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw, and this will allow him more time to get comfortable in his position. He’s already flashed signs that he hasn’t reached his potential, so Joe Whitt and Dan Quinn will work with Newton on reaching that potential.
One of the biggest things the Commanders still need in 2025 is a pass rush, and if Newton’s potential can be exploited, he could be the answer this team is looking for. And that, indeed, would make him the most improved defensive tackle in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Will Jer’Zhan Newton be the most improved defensive tackle in 2025?