NFL Draft DT rankings: Jer’Zhan Newton headlines top-10 prospect list

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Rob Rang

NFL Draft Analyst

For all the focus on quarterbacks, receivers and edge rushers available in the 2024 NFL Draft, it is important to remember football remains a game won and lost in the trenches.

As such, it is a bit surprising that this year’s defensive tackle class has not generated much buzz, as there are several prospects worthy of first-round consideration, with quality depth extending throughout Day Two. And unlike most positional groups, this one boasts a near-consensus top talent in Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton.

Teams looking for traditional run-stuffers could also find pro-ready contributors from this class still on the board in the later rounds. Let’s break down the 10 best interior defensive linemen available in April.

2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings | Top 10 QB prospects | Top 10 RB prospects | Top 10 WR prospects | Top 10 TE prospects | Top 10 OT prospects | Top 10 IOL prospects | Top 10 Edge prospects | Joel Klatt’s mock draft

1. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois — 6-foot-2, 304 pounds, Redshirt Junior

Overview: Former three-time NFL head coach Lovie Smith lured Newton out of the football-rich state of Florida to Illinois back in 2020, convincing the MaxPreps All-American to ignore offers from several prominent programs in the ACC and SEC. It didn’t take long for Newton to live up to the hype, earning starts as a true freshman and leaving Illinois as a three-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time All-American. Newton was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, recording 52 tackles, including 8.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks, while leading the country (and setting a school record) with four blocked kicks. His 18 career sacks tied College Football Hall of Famer Moe Gardner for the most sacks by an Illinois defensive tackle in program history.

Strengths

A bowling ball of butcher knives, slicing his way through would-be blockers with active, powerful hands and a dense frame perfectly suited to…

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Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-draft-dt-rankings-jerzhan-newton-headlines-top-10-prospect-list

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Publish date : 2024-03-28 18:24:16

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