It's been more than two years, and the Washington Commanders' 2024 NFL Draft class is still leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, put together a historic rookie season while leading Washington to the NFC Championship game. Now, there are serious concerns about his durability and sustainability.
Second-round cornerback Mike Sainristil was another bright spot initially, but had a wildly up-and-down Year 2. And the others, aside from fifth-round steal Jordan Magee, have yet to live up to their billing.
That includes one defender Washington is counting on to show improvement. Because it might be now or never.
Johnny Newton must show what he's made of in Commanders' new defense
Toward the end of the 2025 season, Commanders fans finally started to see the potential they'd been waiting for from Johnny Newton. In Washington's Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, he had three sacks and five quarterback hits, more than doubling his season totals in both categories.
When used correctly, the Illinois product can play a valuable role on an NFL defense. However, his deficiencies as a run stopper have limited him from being a trustworthy three-down player. It showed when he had to step in for an injured Jonathan Allen in 2024, and it kept him struggling to find snaps for the majority of last season.
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have an interesting puzzle to solve with Newton. He is unlikely to start, but in the new 3-4 scheme Washington is expected to utilize, he'll see his number called anytime Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, or Tim Settle Jr. need a breather.
Ideally, most of that usage will come on obvious passing downs, where he can provide a spark to the Commanders' blitz.
Even as a second-round pick, the upside for Newton to be a Pro Bowl-caliber star is probably gone. But he doesn't need to be. All he needs to do is show he can be relied upon as a consistent role player for Washington, and the opportunity is there for the taking.
The upcoming campaign needs to be Newton's season to shine. Even if he remains a liability against the run, Jones will need to mask his weaknesses and put him in a position to thrive. That's what great coaches do.
The Commanders are counting on Newton to become a winning player on their defense. It's not too late yet, but if it doesn't happen this year, his long-term stock will be in serious trouble.
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