Johnny Newton is a projected first-round prospect who’d provide the Bills an embarrassment of riches at defensive tackle
The Buffalo Bills were one of several teams with representatives on-hand to take in defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton’s pro day at Illinois on Tuesday afternoon, according to a report by Jordan Schultz.
Schultz noted that Newton impressed, “showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.”
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 16, 2024
I’m told the following teams were in attendance, among others:
Bills
Cowboys
49ers
Jets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub
Despite a continuous reminder of the receiver prospects who adorn the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Bills’ need at the position, there are plenty of other players who have excited teams when considering their potential fit.
Johnny Newton is one such player who, despite the injury setback, has a good chance of hearing his name called on opening night of the draft. One Bills Drive has added a fair bit of help along the interior defensive line, bolstering a unit that’s set to once again feature Ed Oliver and Da’Quan Jones at defensive tackle.
But given the team’s preference to rotate players in throughout games to keep both its interior attack and contain potent and fresh, there’s reason to believe the Bills will look to add a talented rookie or two to the mix.
The Buffalo Bills attending Newton’s pro day is, at minimum, an act of due diligence — or one of keen interest in trying to bring him to Orchard Park, NY. At this time of the year, everything’s on the table for all 32 NFL teams. You can be certain there are 31 teams keenly aware of Buffalo’s need at receiver, and it’s important for general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott to plan for any scenario they may encounter. That includes teams maneuvering such to keep the top pass catchers away from the Bills.
Should that situation play out, it may play very well into the team’s hand in allowing them to add a blue-chip defensive prospect, and foregoing receiver help until later in the draft. Standing 6’2” and 280 pounds, Newton represents a formidable defensive problem for offenses and their coordinators.
As a penetrating interior defensive tackle, Newton made 187 tackles (80 solo), 27.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, five pass defenses, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles in four seasons with Illinois.
(stats courtesy of Sports Reference)
Having attended Johnny Newton’s pro day provides the Buffalo Bills with more clarity on the idea of him as a prospect and his fit in their system, should he be available when Buffalo’s on the clock.