By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Arkansas was a tough team in 2021, making some noise in the SEC. Ridgeway was one of the team’s best defensive player on the season, totaling 39 tackles with two sacks.
In the pass rush, Ridgeway is a physical defender who has heavy hands to shed blocks and break free when he gets upfield. He is more athletic than his size suggests, and he shows some reaction ability to adjust. Ridgeway could still use more pass-rushing moves for the next level. With his size and strength, it would be ideal to see him add a club or rip move.
Ridgeway is a mauler of a run defender, fighting at the line of scrimmage. He has quality length and size, and he plays hard. With his heavy hands, Ridgeway is adept at shedding blocks quickly, and he then uses his quickness to chase down backs. Ridgeway doesn’t anchor well, however, and is not tough for strong guards to move.
Some NFL team sources say Ridgeway is too tall to play nose tackle and doesn’t anchor well enough. Hence, they think he is a large defensive end. That would make his best fit as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense. In the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridgway could go as high as the third round and probably won’t slide out of the early rounds of Day 3.
Player Comparison: Red Bryant. Team sources say that Red Bryant is a player who comes to mind when watching Ridgeway. Bryant (6-4, 323) was a massive defensive end, and Ridgeway could be a similar style defender in the NFL.
RELATED LINKS:
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
NFL Picks - Oct. 30
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 30
NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 28
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4