"Johnny Newton is running out of time to figure it out in Washington. Newton was the No. 36 overall pick in 2024, the first of three players the Commanders selected in the second round. He ended up starting 11 games as a rookie after an injury to Jonathan Allen, but Washington signed Javon Kinlaw to fill the hole in free agency instead of trusting the youngster."
"It's been a lose-lose situation for both players. Kinlaw has underachieved. Newton can't get on the field. He hasn't played more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps in any game this year, and in recent weeks, he's even seen time on special teams. On Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, he saw his highest usage all season with 42.9 percent of the defensive snaps."
The Washington Commanders finished 2025 at 4-11 with an aging roster and few emerging long-term building blocks. The 2024 draft class initially looked promising because of quarterback Jayden Daniels, but Drake Maye's breakout success has raised doubts about the Commanders' long-term quarterback choice. Defensive lineman Johnny Newton, the No. 36 overall pick in 2024, regressed and is running out of time. Newton started 11 games as a rookie after Jonathan Allen's injury, but the team signed Javon Kinlaw and Newton's defensive snaps have been limited, sometimes under 50 percent. He has struggled to make an impact, and odds suggest a rotational role in 2026.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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