Cornerback Josh Newton Solid Third Round Value

I’m not sold on TCU cornerback, Josh Newton.

After studying him for nine games in the past two seasons, I am just not sold.

Sure, at the right valuation and in the right round, he’s worth the risk, but not in the first couple of rounds. There were concerning inconsistencies and he struggled against Texas and their wide receiver, Xavier Worthy.

Newton is a corner who has sort of slipped through the cracks for a couple of reasons. His team, the Horned Frogs, did not find anywhere near the success in 2023 as they did the season prior when they found themselves in the National Championship game, but that’s not the only reason. Newton’s level of play fell off a tad too, which explains why currently less than 10% of mainstream platforms see this TCU corner as a first-round value (nflmockdraftdatabase.com).

Per Pro Football Focus, Newton surrendered a passing rating of 56.4 in 2022, but that number jumped up to 64.8 in 2023. There was also a drop in passes defended going from 12 (2022) to nine (2023). Additionally, his interception total fell from three to one.

I’m not a ‘stats scout,’ but I’ve learned stats do sometimes help to confirm the film and that’s the case with this one.

Newton’s ‘speed’

That’s the official time (4.61) Newton ran at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and while I am not a huge ‘numbers guy,’ from various off-season events, this slower 40-time did show up on film (and it wasn’t good as seen in that picture against Texas).

Granted, Newton looks like he has better football speed than ‘track speed,’ but at the same time, speedsters in the NFL will present a problem for Newton. He doesn’t have that coveted top long-range speed.

Speaking of speed, Newton also failed to show a short area of speed and long-range recovery speed once he fell into ‘trail position’.

Slight stiffness in his hips

That’s the other issue here.

Newton is good at staying ‘in phase,’ (keeping up with a receiver) on straight-line vertical routes that aren’t too fancy. He’s got a physical edge to him and he’s extremely competitive in coverage. Overall, he does a nice job ‘matching’ routes and staying close to receivers in these scenarios.

He gives a good effort in coverage.

However, he does consistently show a slight noticeable ‘tightness‘ in his movements on routes when he’s forced to make crisp changes of direction that help to create throwing windows for opposing wide receivers.

Where does this leave Newton?

It eliminates him from the ‘No. 1 cornerback conversation on an NFL roster.’ Top-flight corners need agile hips to match sleek receivers when they change direction on a dime.

Could Newton be a quality No. 2 corner on an NFL roster?

I believe he can.

Could he fill in at Nickleback?

Yes.

He’s on the fence between these two positions. Newton has a few things going for him that I like:

• Uber competitive
• Tough
• Physical
• Not afraid to mix it up in support

#2 Josh Newton 6-foot-0, 190 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 8.6% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of March 14, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Cover Corner Josh Newton (5 games evaluated)

2023 game film reviewed: Baylor, SMU, Colorado, and Texas (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2023 stats: 33 tackles (26 solo), 7 assists

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Broad frame one gear speed competitive corner who is solid in support. Not often embarrassed. Generally in position. Alert. Active. High energy vibe. Featured in press-man and off-man coverage. Mirrors receivers initially. Attentive. Seamless initial transition out of peddle in press. Unafraid to get physical. Impedes some routes. Takes pride in coverage. Somewhat demonstrative. Outward confidence. Solid technique, but susceptible to penalties when he gets frustrated and offenses pick on him (like Texas). Can guess and gamble. Good ball instincts. Works to get in position to make plays on the ball. Blitzing upside. Average tackler in support. Ideal No. 3 corner.

Final words

Newton makes an NFL defense better because of his aggressive attitude.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.