Greg Newsome II has become one of the most recognizable young cornerbacks in the NFL thanks to his speed, coverage skills, and versatility in the secondary. Known for his strong man-coverage ability and quick acceleration, Newsome has developed into a valuable defensive back since entering the league as a first-round draft pick.
This article explores Greg Newsome’s Madden 26 rating, college career, PFF evaluation, height, and 40-yard dash time, offering a complete look at the talented defensive back.
Greg Newsome Height and Physical Profile
Greg Newsome possesses the ideal physical build for an NFL cornerback. His combination of length, speed, and agility allows him to match up with elite wide receivers.
Physical measurements
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Height: 6 ft 0 in
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Weight: 192 lbs
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Position: Cornerback
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Arm length: 31⅛ inches
At 6-foot tall with strong athletic traits, Newsome has the size and quickness needed to play both outside corner and slot coverage roles at the professional level.
Greg Newsome 40-Yard Dash Time
Speed is one of the key traits that helped Newsome rise up NFL draft boards.
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40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds
His 4.39-second sprint demonstrates above-average acceleration and long-speed for a defensive back. That speed allows him to stay with deep routes and recover quickly when receivers gain separation.
Scouts widely viewed this speed as one of the reasons he was projected as a first-round defensive back prospect before entering the NFL.
Greg Newsome College Career
Newsome played college football at Northwestern Wildcats football, where he quickly became one of the top defensive backs in the Big Ten.
Key College Highlights
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Played at Northwestern from 2018 to 2020
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Recorded 71 total tackles and 24 pass breakups
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Earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2020
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Named AP All-American (2020)
During his final season, he allowed very few completions and became known as a lockdown corner in Northwestern’s defensive scheme. His ball-tracking ability and disciplined coverage helped elevate his draft stock significantly.
Greg Newsome PFF Performance
Analytics site Pro Football Focus (PFF) frequently highlights Newsome’s strong coverage metrics.
During his final college season, Newsome allowed just 12 receptions for 93 yards on 34 targets, showing elite efficiency in pass defense. His ability to limit explosive plays and stay tight in coverage made him one of the highest-graded cornerbacks in the Big Ten.
PFF’s grading consistently praised:
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Tight man coverage
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Route recognition
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Limited yards allowed per target
These traits translated well to the NFL as he transitioned into a starting defensive back.
Greg Newsome Madden 26 Rating
In Madden NFL 26, Greg Newsome is rated among the solid starting cornerbacks in the game.
Key Madden 26 ratings
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Overall rating: 79–80 OVR
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Speed: 92
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Acceleration: 92
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Man coverage: around 77–79
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Zone coverage: around 74–75
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Press: about 82
These ratings reflect his real-life strengths—particularly speed and man coverage ability.
While not among the absolute top-tier corners in the game, Newsome is considered a dependable defensive back with high athletic ratings.
Why Greg Newsome Is Valuable in the NFL
Several traits make Newsome a valuable defensive asset:
1. Elite Coverage Ability
He excels in man-to-man coverage, staying close to receivers and disrupting passing lanes.
2. Strong Football IQ
Newsome reads routes quickly and understands complex defensive schemes.
3. Athletic Versatility
His speed and agility allow him to cover deep routes and shift inside when needed.
4. Playmaking Potential
With solid ball skills, he can break up passes and create turnovers.
Conclusion
Greg Newsome continues to build a strong reputation as a dependable NFL cornerback. Standing 6 feet tall with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, he combines speed and intelligence to match up against modern passing attacks. His impressive college career at Northwestern and solid PFF evaluations helped launch him into the NFL, while his Madden 26 rating around 80 overall reflects his status as a reliable starter.
As he continues to develop, Newsome has the potential to become one of the league’s more consistent defensive backs.
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