Cincinnati — In the NFL Draft of 2024, may the Bengals choose Johnny Newton with the 18th overall pick?
Joe Goodberry says Newton was in Cincinnati for a top-30 visit. Newton is regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in this year’s draft class, but Byron Murphy, a former Texas standout, is preferred by most NFL scouts above the Illinois product.
Newton has been likened to legendary Bengals player Geno Atkins in the past. Lance Zierlein used Javon Hargrave as an example.
“Demonstrative interior defender who can continue to produce disruptively after transferring from college. Although Newton isn’t particularly large or long, he has demonstrated a steady ability to gain length and create advantages over larger opponents, according to Zierlein on NFL.com. As a run defender and pass rusher, Newton is shrewd in his setup of blocks and his use of sudden hand usage and foot agility to beat them. He can hold his own against NFL guards, but he lacks the strength to overpower them. He should have more playmaking opportunities as a three-down 3-technique with early starting potential because of his skill level and quickness.”
Newton spent around half of the previous season playing despite a foot injury. It seems he’s in good health. That may have been a major factor in the Bengals’ decision to invite him to visit. He might (and probably should) be a first-round target, but before they finalize their draft board, they might want to make sure they’re satisfied with his health.
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