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My 50th post
Northwestern
Before entering professional football, Newsome developed his abilities at Northwestern University in the Big Ten. Because of his tight press coverage and uncommon ball skills, he soon became the central figure in Northwestern's defence.
The 2020 season, which was shortened, saw his first major success. Newsome recorded nine pass breakups in only six games and kept the opposing quarterbacks at a very poor passer rating whenever they threw towards him. Because of his outstanding performance he was awarded first-team All-Big Ten status and also received consensus All-America recognition, which raised his reputation as one of the top defensive backs when it came time for the NFL Draft.
Draft
After having had a remarkable career at Northwestern, Greg Newsome II was considered one of the most technically sound and ready-for-the-NFL cornerbacks available when the 2021 NFL Draft came around. His reputation rose because of his outstanding ability to move, his smooth hip turns, and his skill in tight press-man coverage. The Cleveland Browns chose Newsome in the first round at the 26th position, seeing him as a key component of their defence together with veteran Denzel Ward.
Browns
When he first joined the Cleveland team, Newsome promptly fulfilled the promise expected of him as a first-round pick by securing a starting position as a boundary cornerback. In 12 games (11 of which were starts), he made 37 tackles and was the highest among all the team's rookies in terms of passes defended. Because opposing quarterbacks found it difficult to make progress against the tight coverage that he employed, he received a Pro Football Focus coverage grade above 70 and was included in the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
In his second year Newsome showed greater operational flexibility since defensive coordinator Joe Woods had him play either as an outside corner or as a slot defender. In 15 games in which he started he made 42 tackles, recorded six pass deflections and achieved his first career half-sack. The improvement in his technical ability when it came to coverage earned him a better 72.3 PFF coverage grade, which reinforced his standing as one of the most versatile young defensive backs in the league.
In 2023 Newsome had his most productive season in terms of statistics. He took part in 14 games and achieved career bests in total tackles (49), tackles for loss (4), and passes defended (14, which was a tie for ninth most in the NFL); he also picked off his first two passes in the professional league, showing his development by returning one for a touchdown from 34 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2024 there was a change in Newsome's position in Cleveland's defensive lineup. Although he played in 13 games, he only started three of them as the Browns rotated their secondary lineups. Even though he had few starting appearances, Newsome still managed 27 total tackles, defended 5 passes, and picked off one pass. Before the season, Cleveland had exercised the fifth-year option on his contract and thus kept him with the team for the coming season.
Traded
In Cleveland Newsome started the first five games of 2025 and made 23 tackles. The Browns dealt Newsome together with their 2026 sixth-round choice to the Jacksonville Jaguars in return for cornerback Tyson Campbell and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Newsome joined Jacksonville's defence without any problems, taking part in 11 of the 12 games and registering 29 tackles, six passes defended and one interception while also helping the Jaguars to reach the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Giants
When free agency opened up in March 2026, Newsome became a target for various teams looking for press man coverage talent. On March 10, 2026 he signed a one-year contract worth $8 million (with incentives that could take it as high as $10 million) with the New York Giants in order to replace the slot corner Cor'Dale Flott who was leaving for the Tennessee Titans. Newsome said he was excited about the new opportunity, pointing out that the Giants' system matches his main strength, which is press coverage, and that he hopes to establish himself as a long term member of the Giants.
Stats: https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/giants/p/2JgOVv-6bA4WjP/greg-newsome-stat-tracker
Personal top plays: https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/general/p/UflP6pHKIMaNO3/gregnewsomefans-top-30-greg-newsome-plays-of-all-time