The Cleveland Browns selected Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II with the 26th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Newsome, an Illinois native, played high school ball at the IMG Academy in Florida where he was a three-star recruit before returning to Chicago to play for Northwestern. He immediately made an impression, starting four of six games as a true freshman in 2018.
Newsome led Northwestern with 11 pass breakups in nine games his sophomore season, which was cut short due to injury. He had another impressive 2020 campaign, solidifying his status as an NFL draft prospect, but opted out of the team’s bowl game after he sustained a groin injury in the Big Ten Championship against Ohio State.
Measurables: 6'0"/192
School: Northwestern
2020 stats: 4 games, 12 tackles, INT, 9 passes defended
Accolades: 2020 third-team Associated Press All-American, first-team All Big Ten
Strengths:
• Physical traits stand out – tall, long-limbed, twitchy
• Size a plus for man cover matchups
• Good instincts on timing and elevation
• Doesn’t allow much separation
• Mobilty allows him to turn and run
• Good tackler, wraps up and stays balanced
Weaknesses:
• Injuries throughout college career
• 7 DPI penalties in his last 14 games
• Could struggle with covering NFL deep speed
Expert scout analysis: "Long-limbed cornerback with angular frame and disruptive size and strength. Newsome is well-versed in Cover 3, quarters coverage and press man. He's equally adept at each, too. It's hard to get a gauge on his overall long speed, as most of the throws his way were underneath, but it's worth noting that he's above average with ball tracking and body positioning to defend the deep throw. While the takeaway totals are nothing special, his length, timing and sheer competitiveness make tape study of the contested catches he's allowed for completions a very short watch.
"He has the footwork and skill level to cover downfield without getting into receivers prematurely, but for now, those pass interference penalties from press-man are a concern. Newsome is a competitive, scheme-diverse outside cornerback with good size, speed and explosiveness. He has the talent to become a good starter within his first two seasons." -Lance Zeirlein, NFL Network
Tape:
Player comparisons: Kevin Johnson (Charlie Campbell), Darius Slay (Lance Zeirlein), Marlon Humphrey (Eric Edholm)
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