Colts 2016 player preview: Defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway

The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 (TODAY!) with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason. To pass the time until camp, we’re taking a look at every player on the Colts’ 90-man roster. Today, we’re looking at defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway.

Who is he?

The Colts drafted Hassan Ridgeway in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Texas, where he played in 36 games and started 18. He recorded 92 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and one pass defensed. He was an honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2015, and he’s certainly a talented player – particularly in the area of pass rush. The questions with him have been in regards to health and conditioning, but if he can stay on the field and stay in shape with the Colts he could be help in their defensive line rotation.

What is his role?

The Colts have a deep defensive line, but Hassan Ridgeway figures to be right in the mix. Kendall Langford, Henry Anderson, and David Parry will be the starters, and then Ridgeway, T.Y. McGill, and Zach Kerr, among others, will compete for those depth spots (Arthur Jones is suspended for the first four games). It’s entirely possible that Ridgeway could find himself playing a situational role in 2016 as a pass rushing defensive lineman, a role that could be important. With question marks at outside linebacker when it comes to pass rush, the Colts likely will be looking for help in the area from other positions. If Ridgeway can get after the quarterback, he should be able to get playing time as well.

What are his chances?

He’ll make the roster and could play a situational role along the defensive line.