Atlanta Falcons 2016 NFL Draft: Options at nose tackle

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the third quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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DT Hassan Ridgeway, Texas, 6’3 316 lbs

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 /

Ridgeway is coming off a 2015 season with 35 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He possesses very good NFL size at 316 pounds which means eventually he will balloon to 325 at least.

He is also a reliable tackler and more times than not, Ridgeway made impact by just getting pressure with his top-notch strength.

His athleticism is slept-on for the most part as well and while he needs some refining in his overall game, keep in mind that the nose tackle spot doesn’t require a lot and with Hageman, Jarrett, and Babs, Ridgeway has the luxury to pick the brain of three solid defensive tackles and be a link on the chain that head coach Dan Quinn is building on the defensive line.

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