Cincinnati Bengas select Josh Newton in fifth round of 2024 NFL Draft

TCU cornerback Josh Newton has been selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, taken with the No. 149 overall pick.

Newton was a two-time All-Big 12 selection, earning first-team honors in 2022 and second-team honors in 2023.

He was a force breaking up passes, consistently able to get his hands on balls to break them up. Newton finished his TCU career with 68 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions and 24 passes defended.

Originally a signee at UL-Monroe, Newton spent his first three seasons there before transferring to TCU. In three seasons with the Warhawks, Newton racked up 84 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and 18 pass breakups.

Prior to enrolling at UL-Monroe, Josh Newton was a three-star prospect and the No. 2,905 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also checked in as the No. 443 wide receiver in the class and the No. 139 overall player in the state of Louisiana in his cycle, hailing from Monroe (LA) Ouachita Parish.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Josh Newton

Analysts are somewhat split on Newton as a prospect, but most seem to like his potential to be a versatile defensive back going forward.

Honing in on his technique will be the key for growth at the NFL level, in all likelihood.

Here’s what NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein had to say in evaluating Josh Newton as a prospect:

“A well-built cornerback with inside/outside versatility, Newton’s 2022 tape was slightly better than his 2023 film. He’s capable in press and is made for old-fashioned Cover 2 looks where he can redirect the release and sink into zone coverage.

“Newton plays tall in space, creating inconsistencies in transitioning to match routes and he will lose downfield to speedsters. He’s competitive and physical at the catch point and is willing to do his part in run support. He has good football makeup, but it seems like he’s more likely to be around an NFL receiver rather than actively making plays on the ball.”