2022 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears add WRs, OLine in 7-Round Mock
By Kyle Edmond
Round 6, Pick 186: John Ridgeway, DL, Arkansas
844. 6. player. DT. Arkansas. John Ridgeway. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
With so few selections the Chicago Bears are going to need to search for value picks and there might not be a better value in the 2022 NFL Draft than John Ridgeway. After transferring to Arkansas from Illinois State prior to this season, Ridgeway is flying under the radar and the Bears could capitalize.
Both Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols could become free agents this offseason, so players on the defensive line will be needed. At 6-foot-6 320, Ridgeway has the ability to fit well into both a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, depending on the new coaching philosophy.
Back in 2018, Ridgeway was named an FCS Freshman All-American by Phil Steele and to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer list. Those accolades continued in 2019, being an All-Conference Honorable Mention. He then entered the transfer portal following the 2020 season, which for Illinois State was actually played in the spring of 2021.
For the Razorbacks this past season, Ridgeway totaled 39 tackles with four tackles for loss and two sacks. A former state wrestling champion, Ridgeway will most likely stand out from the crowd at the Senior Bowl, which could cause his draft stock to rise. However, if he’s available here he’s yet another great value pick for the Chicago Bears.