Commanders turned down trade offers so they could steal 'game wrecker' in the 2024 NFL Draft

Newton's fit in Washington is very intriguing and also very exciting

It's not just the fact that the Commanders got a top-25 player at No. 36 that makes Newton's presence so exciting - it's the fact he joins Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in the Commanders' defensive line room.

Not only will this three-headed monster have an impact in 2024, Newton gets to learn from two of the game's best, both on the field and off the field.

"Those guys are great examples to follow in terms of how they are as pros - the way they work, the way they go about their business," said Peters. "So, anytime you can have that situation, it's awesome. Johnny's already pretty close to being like that, but to learn from those two guys, and really everybody else in the room, we have a lot of really good pros in that room.

"So, that, and then we can get them all on the field at the same time. That's what's really cool. DQ has a vision to get them all on the field at the same time. So it's not like he's going to be a backup and not playing a whole lot. He's going to get on the field. He's going to play [and] we're going to rotate those guys [in order to] keep those guys fresh so they [can] get after it, too."

The thought of Allen, Payne, and Newton all on the field at once is pretty scary for opposing offenses. Just imagine a 3rd and 2, where a team could easily run or throw the ball. Well, having those three on the field, plus a guy like Dorance Armstrong filling out that DE position, gives the Commanders enough size to defend the run, but also, a lot more pass rushing juice than what would typically be on the field, at the time. 

There are plenty of other scenarios to think of, including a simple 1st and 10 (the one objective down where a team has a 50/50 shot at running or throwing the ball) where the Commanders are in a "base" defense that includes the aforementioned trio in the trenches.

Allen and Payne can both be moved around, as well. Yes, they primarily line up over the B gap, but per Pro Football Focus, both players also recorded over 245 snaps, each, lining up over tackle. 

With Newton are so many options for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. when it comes to the defensive front. The kid will bring youthful energy and passion to the defensive front, which should help it get back on track in 2024.

And, even better, Newton is even more motivated to show the NFL it messed up by passing him by in Round 1. That in itself bodes well, especially when it's coming from the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

"1,000 percent," said Newton after he was asked if the first-round fall motivates him. "But I'm still happy that I got drafted. A lot of people don't have this opportunity. Definitely fuel to my fire and a chip on my shoulder."