Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: 2022 Nightmare Scenario

Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft Nightmare Scenario

Round 4, Pick 127

DT John Ridgeway

Arkansas

The Dallas Cowboys know they need to improve in their defensive interior. While Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa both give reasons for optimism, neither have been that stout force in the middle this defense desperately needs.

Since Dallas was forced to fill glaring holes earlier in the draft (DE, LB, WR) they weren’t able to address their IDL until now. Sadly, at this point they’re faced with only one-dimensional options and Jon Ridgway is pick.

Ridgeway is a 2-gap player who can hold up well against the run. The problem is all of the athletic 1-techs are off the board and Ridgeway is a player that can just be run away from. Smart teams avoid players without lateral movement. They know that no matter how stout you are, if you cant pursue, you’re a liability. That’s why Will McClay avoids them in the top-100.

Ridgeway is a situational player who offers nothing in the pass rush department and struggles with outside runs. He’s not the player the Dallas Cowboys need to add to their defensive interior and largely keeps that box unchecked.

This feels like another wasted opportunity where Dallas is forced to face the consequences for their actions earlier in the offseason and have not properly upgraded their roster as a result.