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Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Kyle Sumner McKinnon

Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Iowa State 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat Iowa State 48-45. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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A powerful interior lineman with some technique and conditioning concerns, is Hassan Ridgeway among the best defensive tackles in the draft?

He may have left college a year too soon, but Hassan Ridgeway still has plenty to offer NFL teams.

Ridgeway was a powerful, disruptive defensive tackle during his time at Texas and is just about immovable down on the line.

The Longhorn coaching staff voiced concerns about Ridgeway being out of shape at times, and his technique isn’t near where it should be at this point in his career.

Will these shortcomings severely impact where Ridgeway gets drafted? Let’s break it down.

Vitals

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 303 pounds

Class: Junior

Hometown: Mansfield, TX

Prospect Video

Strengths

With a 6-foot-3, roughly 303-pound physique, Ridgeway sports some nice girth and is a difficult man to move in the interior. He’s as powerful as they come and has initial momentum off the line that’s second to none, dictating the game to opposing blockers, not vice-versa.

Originally an outside linebacker when he first arrived to Texas, Ridgeway possesses quick, strong hands, and is versatile and experienced enough to take some snaps on the outside.

The former Longhorn is the full package and anticipates plays surprisingly well.

Weaknesses

For how impactful Ridgeway is, his overall technique holds him back from being an upper-tier defensive tackle in the draft. His counter moves and hand technique need work.

Ridgeway gets tied up in blocks too often because of his inability to shed tackles outside of using sheer force. What likely holds him back the most is his conditioning, which was questioned by the Texas coaching staff. This led to inconsistency and poor execution within games, and possible injuries that Ridgeway struggled with throughout his collegiate career.

Verdict

Ridgeway has untapped potential and could be one of the league’s better interior linemen in the near future. If he cleans up his technique and works to keep himself in better physical condition, there’s no telling how good Ridgeway can be.

Right now, the Texas product has the look of a fourth or fifth-rounder. In the right situation, he might end up being the steal of the draft.

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