Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, there was a sizable group of candidates for the Detroit Lions at pick 29. Detroit would ultimately trade up to 24th overall to select Terrion Arnold, arguably the top defensive back prospect on the board—and perhaps in the draft itself. Yet in the lead up to the Lions’ pick, there was another big name still on the board: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton.
From a character and production standpoint, the defensive tackle out of Illinois was a perfect fit for the Lions. Had the Lions drafted him at 29, many fans would have been thrilled with the selection.