Are the Commanders encouraged by Jer'Zhan Newton's development?

One year ago, the Washington Commanders appeared to have the type of draft class that could change the course of a franchise for years to come. Of course, quarterback Jayden Daniels led the way, but other draft picks, such as Mike Sainristil and Brandon Coleman, had featured roles.

Now, heading into Week 13 of the 2025 season, the Commanders are 3-8 and have lost six straight games. Daniels will likely miss his sixth game of the season on Sunday. Sainristil has started every game, but looks lost compared to last season. Coleman switched positions and was benched.

Sainristil wasn't Washington's only 2024 second-round pick. Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott were also chosen in the second round. As a rookie, Newton was behind veteran starters Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, while Sinnott was behind Zach Ertz and John Bates.

The Commanders released Allen in the offseason, which was a positive for Newton. However, Washington signed Javon Kinlaw in free agency, and Payne and Kinlaw have been Washington's starters at defensive tackle.

Newton has appeared in all 11 games for the Commanders, but has not started one game. Some fans were shocked that in Week 11, with Payne missing the game due to a suspension, veteran Eddie Goldman started instead of Newton. However, it was more about the matchup that week against the Dolphins.

In 11 games, Newton has played 34% of Washington's defensive snaps. He has 23 tackles, including two for loss, two sacks and four quarterback hits. Head coach Dan Quinn has been impressed with the former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

"I would say one of the strengths of the defense is the DTs," Quinn said on Monday. "And Johnny's right in the middle of that. I like that he's been disruptive as a pass rusher, getting upfield to go. And so, that to me was a big piece of it. Sometimes the game plan works out that way, you're playing more of a five down front, or how do you want to go about it? But there was nothing regarding game planning, more or less. But I do love the quickness that he's playing with and the disruption, and I think he's a guy that can cause havoc. And so, that's what I want to see this week and every other over the rest of the season of him doing those things together."

What do we make of what Quinn said? Newton has flashed this season. But you expect more out of a second-round pick. The Commanders were elated when Newton fell to them at No. 36 overall. One reason he fell was a foot injury that required surgery. Before he played his first NFL game last fall, Newton had surgery on each of his feet.

Over Washington's final six games, coaches should prioritize development and winning. You need to play your best players, but with so many expiring contracts, it's also essential to find out what you have in some of the younger players. Newton included.

The Commanders need more encouraging signs from players such as Newton, Sainristil and Sinnott. In a lost season, the development of those players is critical to Washington's future.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Latest on Jer'Zhan Newton's development