The best-kept secret at Cowboys OTA’s
For the last decade, Cowboy fans have relentlessly clamored for the Jones family to dive into their pocketbook and sign a marquee free agent to bolster their roster. Even with the reluctance to dip their toes in the free agency pool, the Cowboys’ front office has been able to form rosters loaded with talent. That has to do with the phenomenal drafting they do yearly. And I’m not only talking about their success on day 1. Almost every year, the Cowboys can find a diamond in the rough later in the draft that contributes immediately.
I think 5th round pick out of Arkansas, DT John Ridgeway, is flying under the radar as a possible impact player for the Cowboys this year. There are probably only two locks at defensive tackle to make the team: Osa Odighizuwa and Neville Gallimore. After that, Ridgeway will fight with guys like Quinton Bohanna, Trysten Hill, and Carlos Watkins for two or maybe three spots. I am sure Ridgeway will make the team because he brings exactly what the Cowboys lack.
Throughout last year, I felt like the Cowboys got bullied at the line of scrimmage by physical teams that loved to run the ball down the defense’s throat. That was evident in the playoffs, where the 49ers imposed their will against Dallas. John Ridgeway is a bully, and he’s not a guy you will push around. He adds a mean streak and fire that this D-line didn’t have last year. Ridgeway made this known on day one. He was already sent to the showers early during a day of OTA’s for fighting, and the fire he brings is something the team has been missing for a long time. I think that alone will go a long way to Ridgeway making the team and getting meaningful snaps throughout the year.
Ridgeway’s fiery demeanor is excellent, but it’s not the only thing the Cowboys could use from him. Ridgeway can play 3-tech, 2-tech, and even nose tackle. He moves well for his frame, and his ability to get into the backfield will significantly help the Cowboys stop the run. His size is needed because the Cowboys don’t necessarily have big interior DTs they trust. Osa is only about 280, and Gallimore is around 300. Bohanna is a massive 350 but incredibly raw, and Trysten Hill is about 315 but has been disappointing so far in his career. Ridgeway is 325 and, by all accounts, has looked more impressive than both Hill and Bohanna.
When the Cowboys took Ridgeway in round 5, I was thrilled because I believed the same thing last year at Arkansas that I think now. Ridgeway will be an excellent defensive tackle in this league, and he fits what the Cowboys need to a tee. The Cowboys hit a home run with this pick, but I don’t think many people know it yet.
