Illinois Football: Latest Mock Draft Bodes Well For Illini Lineman

Latest Mock Draft Bodes Well For Illini Lineman

CBSSports.com released their latest 2024 NFL mock draft on Sunday (3-3), and former Illinois Football star Jer’zahn “Johnny” Newton found himself in good company. The 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has continued to creep his way up the boards, and several include Newton as a late first-round pick. According to the newly released mock draft, the former member of the “Law Firm” finds himself heading to warmer weather.

The Projection

The most recent CBS Draft Projection (at the posting of this article) has Newton going No. 27 overall to Arizona. The cardinals struggled with defensive line talent and depth in 2023, and building needs to be done. According to several outlets in the Grand Canyon state, “Game wrecking” interior defensive lineman are a top draft priority. Of course, next to wide receiver, where it seems Arizona will target Marvin Harrison Jr or Malik Neighbors.  The former first team All-American was a game changer for Illinois Football on the defensive front, and will be an asset on whatever team does call his name on April 25th.

Newton’s draft report according to CBS sports quotes “A Jones fracture near his pinky toe prevented Jer’Zhan Newton from participating at the NFL Combine, but he’s still a first-round talent and a player the Cardinals could use along their defensive front.” The report claims him as the 2nd best defensive tackle prospect in the 2024 class, as well as the 20th best overall player available in the 2024 draft. It will be interesting to see how this trend progresses for the former Illini star. Especially as we draw closer to the Illinois Football NFL pro day, and NFL draft day 1 on April 25th.

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