The Denver Broncos were in attendance for Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton’s pro day on Tuesday, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
Newton (6-2, 304 pounds) did not test at the NFL combine after undergoing surgery for a Jones fracture, which also sidelined him for Illinois’ pro day in March. So the defensive lineman held a personal pro day on April 16.
Newton did not test at his pro day, either, but that didn’t stop the majority of NFL teams from showing up. The Broncos were among the 21 clubs in attendance, according to Schultz.
Newton spent four years with the Fighting Illini, totaling 187 tackles (27.5 behind the line), 18 sacks, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 44 games.
A first-team All-American, Newton won the Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023 and was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy, given to college football’s best defender each year.
Newton is projected to be picked in the second half of the first round of the NFL draft next week. The Broncos currently hold pick No. 12. If they trade down, Newton might be among their potential targets.
The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27. We are tracking all of Denver’s pre-draft prospect visits on Broncos Wire.
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