What impact Will the NFL Combine have on Jer’Zhan Newton’s Draft Stock?

Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton did not participate in drills during the combine because of injury.

While Newton didn’t go viral with comments made during this press time like his teammate, tight end Tip Reiman, standout interior lineman Jer’Zhan Newton spoke to the media during his time in Indianapolis at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He spoke primarily about his health after having surgery to repair a fracture in his foot. Newton dealt with that injury all season. He assured everyone that his health was not an issue and the foot was healing exactly how it was supposed to heal.

Although Newton could not run or do the other drills, scouts took official measurements.

Newton’s Official Measurements:

Height: 6- foot-1 and 5/8

Weight: 304

Hands: 9 and 1/2 inches

Arm Length: 32 and 2/5 inches

Wingspan: 75 and 7/8 inches

Newton’s height and weight varied little from the measurements at Illinois. His hands were average at nine and a half inches compared to other interior linemen. In contrast, his wingspan was on the lower end at 75 and 7/8 inches. Florida State tackle Brandon Fiske’s wingspan was similar, but he’s 6-foot-5. LSU’s Maason Smith’s nearly 85-inch wingspan rivals some NBA players.

Do measurements really matter?

That can be both a simple and complex question to answer. It depends on your perspective. That said, there have been plenty of players deemed “too small” to play on the inside. On the other hand, Aaron Donald, arguably the greatest interior lineman to strap on a helmet, does not have the ideal size. John Randle and Warren Sapp are Hall of Famers but were not monsters at the three technique.

Newton said it best himself, “go watch the tape.” You don’t need a short shuffle or three-cone to see his superior footwork. He doesn’t need to slap the sled dummies to demonstrate his active hands. Newton can play, and he should be the first defensive tackle taken in this draft. The tape shows that clearly.