ST. LOUIS — Add another player with area college ties to the list of new NFL pros.

Illinois’ Johnny Newton was picked in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft Friday evening. The Washington Commanders took Newton, a defensive tackle, with the 36th overall pick.

The Commanders need Newton's pass-rushing prowess, having finished near the bottom of the NFL in sacks last season.

Jer’Zhan Newton, who goes by Johnny, entered the draft as one of top-ranked interior defensive linemen. A record-breaking pool of offensive players selected in the first round, however, meant that he had to wait until the second day to hear his name called from the stage in Detroit.

He spent four seasons at Illinois, breaking out during his final season to record 7.5 sacks in 11 starts. That was good for first-team All-American, Big Ten defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Draft analysts were drawn to Newton’s power and athleticism, which drew some pundits to suggest his twitch and aggression off the line of scrimmage alone were enough to warrant a top 20 pick. Still, some concerns with his size — at 6-1, 304 pounds, he’s on the shorter end of modern interior defensive linemen in the NFL — lowered his stock.

Newton went later than expected in the draft, especially after the Atlanta Falcons traded up to pick No. 35 to select a different defensive tackle — though Washington took Newton with the very next pick.

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