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2022 NFL Draft: 5 defensive prospects ideal for New England Patriots defense

By Randolph Charlotin

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 20: Joshua Paschal #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the New Mexico State Aggies at Kroger Field on November 20, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 20: Joshua Paschal #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the New Mexico State Aggies at Kroger Field on November 20, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
John Ridgeway (99) of the Arkansas Razorbacks. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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.

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