3 perfect prospects the Seahawks could trade up to No. 9 to grab in 2024 NFL draft
By Lee Vowell
Seahawks could take defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton
Even if the Seahawks somehow find the money to re-sign Leonard Williams, the defensive line still needs to add talent. Jarran Reed was a decent pass rusher this year but an undersized nose guard who got pushed around when teams ran straight at the Seahawks. Reed was signed last offseason and then asked to play a position he had never played. Now we know why he never played nose guard.
Williams was fantastic after coming over in a trade a third of the way through the season, but Seattle currently has very little cap room and will need to have enough to sign their draft picks and sign some lesser-priced free agents than Williams. Plus, Williams will be 30 years old and Seattle has to get younger along the defensive line.
Jer'Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois, 4)
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 20, 2024
vs Penn State 2023
For the uninitiated, these aren't highlights, but all of the plays that I felt were worth a look. And Newton just had a TON in this game.
Full analysis and evaluation will be available later. pic.twitter.com/nadN0I3tdv
Newton has the strength to play in the NFL right away. He also should excel against the pass or the run as he has crazy great hands where he can grab the offensive line and move him in whatever direction he wants the O-lineman to go. Newton also has a high football IQ and anticipates what a lineman is going to try to do with him and Newton quickly adjusts.
Newton also has several pass-rush moves that should translate well to the NFL. But it is his ability to help stop the run that will be of most value to the Seahawks for years to come. The 6'2" and 295-pound Newton might be the Seahawks' best pure interior defensive lineman since Cortez Kennedy.
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