Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn singled out defensive lineman Johnny Newton as someone who could take off this season. We are now deep into preparations for the 2026 campaign, and fans are still waiting.
Newton had high expectations on his shoulders after becoming the No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Aside from a few flashes, he hasn't come close to meeting them. And a subpar effort against the Miami Dolphins in Washington's preseason opener revealed the same frailties.
That's a problem.
Johnny Newton is in danger of becoming the Commanders' odd man out
While Newton offers pass-rushing upside, his lack of play strength is a glaring concern. With new coordinator Daronte Jones switching the Commanders' defensive front to a 3-4 base, they need space-eaters on the interior who can absorb blocks effectively. The Illinois product has not shown anything in this regard yet.
Unless he does, one couldn't say with any great certainty where Newton fits into Washington's plans.
Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and free-agent signing Tim Settle Jr. will start in the defensive trenches. They have experience and the physical tools to thrive within Jones' schematic concepts. Newton was hoping for a key rotational role, but others are now outshining him at the worst possible time.
Charles Omenihu and Deatrich Wise Jr. (when healthy) should make the squad as depth pieces. Shy Tuttle and Ricky Barber both outperformed Newton against the Dolphins, with the latter drawing significant praise for his overall contribution.
Placing either Tuttle or Barber above Newton in the pecking order is a big call to make, and general manager Adam Peters won't want to give up on a high-end Day 2 selection so soon. But unless he makes improvements to be a more well-rounded force, trust in his capabilities will gradually diminish.
Johnny Newton must become more than a pass-rusher to justify Commanders' faith
Newton has burst. One only has to look at his three-sack outing against the Dallas Cowboys last season to see that. Even so, fleeting moments of high quality are no longer enough. He has to raise the stakes, and he is running out of time to make his presence felt.
A huge effort is needed from here. Newton's place on the roster is assured, for now. But if he becomes the odd man out, a situation could emerge where Peters might examine a potential trade scenario before final cuts are due.
That would be on the drastic side. The Commanders will do what's best for the franchise's future. But everyone — including big draft investments like Newton — has a tipping point.
Just when that'll be is the question nobody knows the answer to right now.
Newton is at a career crossroads; there is no getting around that. And after the Commanders placed so much faith in his talent during the 2024 NFL Draft, he cannot get left behind.
This scenario would instantly drop him into draft bust territory. And nobody wants that.
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