Heading into the 2026 season, one name that has surfaced recently has been mentioned with the Washington Commanders is defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Yesterday at the NFL Annual Owners Meeting in Arizona, Head Coach Dan Quinn highlighted Newton as a player that the staff still believes in and is ready to take the next step.
Quinn highlighted some key factors that affected him along the way. With a new defensive system, bringing fresh air will also bring fresh opportunities, as the former second-round picks finished the 2025 season on a strong note with a memorable Christmas Day performance against the Dallas Cowboys, with 3 sacks.
Newton looks to build off of that heading into the 2026 offseason and beyond.
Johnny Newton’s Disruption in a Pressure-Based Defense
A major factor in Johnny Newton’s potential breakout is how well his skillset translates to this new aggressive defensive structure being implemented byDaronte Jones– a scheme that will likely carry many of the same disruptive principles seen byBrian Flores.
Both systems emphasize attacking the quarterback from many angles, including up the middle. Defensive Tackles that can penetrate gaps, create pressure, and disrupt timing in the pocket. Newton’s explosive first step, quick hands, and ability to get upfield one-on-one make him an ideal fit.
Newton so far has thrived when he’s allowed to attack and collapse the pocket. Within this new system that will go on multiple fronts, Newton can use his lateral quickness frequently to create pressure and confusion among the offensive lines. Newton’s disruptive ability can help him become a key factor to the defense.
Some elements stem from Newton’s time at Illinois that could translate seamlessly into this new defensive structure. Newton was moved around the front to create confusion and a matchup problem against offensive coordinators.
That same approach is common in pressure-heavy systems, where defensive tackles are creating disruption to the interior. Allowing Newton to operate in these familiar roles could help unlock the same disruptive style of play that made him a productive player during his time in college.
Injuries and Limited Chances hurt Newton
Despite the flashes of disruption he had shown early in his career, Johnny Newton hasn’t yet had a full opportunity to consistently display his impact along the defensive line. Injuries during his rookie season slowed him and limited his availability during key stretches.
Newton is also still slowly developing as a run defender, particularly when it comes to holding his ground against double teams and consistently anchoring at the point of attack.
As he continues to grow stronger and refine his technique, Newton’s ability to collapse the pocket and create interior pressure could become a major key for Washington’s defensive front. Improved health and more consistent opportunities in 2026, the foundation is there for Newton to turn those flashes into sustained production.
The Commanders Expect More From Their Top Draft Investment
As a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnny Newton entered with the expectation of becoming a long-term difference for the Washington defensive line. Players taken that early are typically viewed as foundational pieces, and the Commanders’ front office and coaching staff will be looking for Newton to continue progressing on the investment they made.
The traits that made him such a highly regarded prospect-his explosiveness, hand usage, and ability to generate pressure are still evident on tape. As Newton enters the next stage of his development, the expectation within the organization is that he puts everything together. For a Commanders defense that has been lacking the last two seasons, Newton can potentially become the spark that can lead to a significant step toward the future.
