Why New England Patriots should target DT John Ridgeway, Arkansas
Testing is not John Ridgeway’s thang. 40 time? When’s the last time you saw a 320-pound man run 40 yards straight in a game? So don’t worry that Ridgeway didn’t put on a show at the combine. If he can be a tree stump occupying two O-linemen every play, then you should be very happy with Ridgeway.
Ridgeway is classic nose tackle who’s good for one thing and one thing only: stopping the run. He’s effective occupying blockers to free his teammates to make plays. If an opponent makes the mistake of blocking Ridgeway one-on-one, he’ll toss the blocker aside and swallow the running back.
The New England Patriots signed Davon Godcheaux last season and he was effective, but it was a two year deal, so Godcheaux could leave as a free agent after the 2022 season. Ridgeway would get a one year apprenticeship before taking over, and a year of development might be best for Ridgeway.
Ridgeway is a former wrestler, which could somewhat explain his success. Just understand Ridgeway offers very little as a pass rusher. If you value the idea of Ridgeway as a situational player, then spending a fourth round pick on him would be well worth it.