Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois, DL
While we've already got a couple of key names to watch this season along the defensive interior, we'd be remiss to skip the latest mock draft fromYahoo! Sports' Curt Popejoy, wherein the Chiefs get Newton, the latest elite defender from Illinois.
Last year we saw cornerback Devon Witherspoon go off the board early to the Seattle Seahawks, and Newton has the sort of potential to be another top 10 pick for the Illini if he develops as hoped in 2023.
In 2022, Newton put up a well-rounded season with game tape that would already tell you he's pro-ready with 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He's also active with his hands in passing lanes as he deflected three last season. PFF ranked him as the top returning defensive tackle in football, so you know he's going to be under the microscope all season in the Big Ten.
For the Chiefs, Newton comes in a bit undersized for an interior player at 280 lbs. but he's proven his ability to be productive thus far and he'd find a home along the Chiefs' line just fine if given the chance.