The 49ers are obviously focused on what they hope will be a successful 2023 season, with the target for San Francisco to go one better than in their successive runs to the NFC Championship Game in the last two seasons.

But their scouting staff will already be fixated on adding to the team for 2024, with the Niners slated to possess 12 picks following the Trey Lance trade.

For the first time since picking Lance in 2021, the 49ers will have a first-round pick.

With such capital at their disposal, it is imperative the Niners nail next year's draft to stock an increasingly expensive roster with more affordable impact players.

Each week during the college football season, we'll take a look at one player in action who should be on the 49ers' radar. For this week, that player is Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton.

Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton

Height: 6ft 2in

Weight: 295 pounds

Class: Junior

Newton was a three-star recruit out of Clearwater Central Catholic, and the St. Petersburg, Fla. native has gradually increased his impact for the Fighting Illini over the course of his first three seasons in Champaign. Last season, Newton was second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten.

Those honors came after a 2022 season in which he led Illinois in tackles for loss (14.0), sacks (5.5), quarterback hurries (11), and fumble recoveries (2). On top of that, Newton led all Power 5 interior defensive linemen in pressures with 59, per Pro Football Focus. For a 49er defense that will likely need reinforcements in the middle of the defensive line next offseason, Newton is an extremely enticing prospect.

How does he fit with the 49ers?

The 49ers might prefer a slightly larger defensive tackle who can provide the beef against the run that former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw, a free agent next offseason, has so far failed to provide.

But Newton boasts a trait that San Francisco value extremely highly among all their defensive linemen. He is explosive off the snap with a hugely impressive first step that he complements with quick hand usage.

Illinois IDL Jer’Zhan Newton

A blend of explosion, power, and first step quickness out of the starting blocks. Consistent first level penetrator. pic.twitter.com/hIpvugPLmd

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) July 27, 2023

San Francisco might have concern over a lack of ideal arm length, but Newton, were he to land with the Niners, would be entering an excellent situation in which he could learn from starters Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead and potentially thrive immediately as a rotational gap-shooting defender.

Round Estimation

It's obviously extremely early in the process, but The Athletic's draft expert Dane Brugler has Newton ranked 25th on his top 50 list.

Equating that ranking to a draft slot is far from an exact science, especially when there is a lot of time for so much to change. However, if the draft were being held this weekend, Newton would be in the conversation to go in the back end of the first round, which is where most will anticipate the 49ers to be making their selection.

Watch

Illinois vs. Toledo – Saturday Sept. 2 at 7.30 p.m. ET – Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois – Big Ten Network

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There was one quality that set them apart.

Featured Image Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports