DC: Scouting Report: New Signing Richard Ash Brings Power At DT Spot

[The Realist]

I think this is purely a desperation move caused by injuries at the DT spot. Rod likes his 1 techs athletic. That's not this guy.

 

[Kaiser]

My reaction to this is that since Irving had to play the entire Lions game at 1T, this move is partly about letting Irving play DE.

 

[xwalker]

Whatever happened to that DT Whaley who couldn't stay healthy?

He couldn't stay healthy.

 

[jrumann59]

I think he is just a body for the last game. He probably will not be on the playoff roster, most of the down DL should be back by then. McClain, Tank, TCraw, Thronton pretty much ruled out for season finale

 

[BoysfanfromCanada]

He couldn't stay healthy.

Neither could Terrell McClain till this year though

 

[DandyDon52]

I bet watching Zenner run on them early made them decide to get a run stuffer. We're gonna need a big body for some of those short yardage situations.

yeah that is what I was thinking, this guy could help in the middle on runs.

 

[Stash]

Scouting Report: New Signing Richard Ash Brings Power At DT Spot

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 4:58 PM CST

By Bryan Broaddus Football Analyst/Scout @BryanBroaddus

FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys’ defensive line took a blow on Wednesday, as defensive end Ryan Davis was moved to injured reserve.

The team made a move to offset that loss by adding defensive lineman Richard Ash. A second-year player, Ash had been serving on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad when he was signed to the Cowboys’ active roster.

Bryan Broaddus watched tape of Ash and put together a brief scouting report.

Name: Richard Ash
Position: DT
College: Western Michigan
Height: 6-3
Weight: 320
Draft: Undrafted in 2015, signed with Jacksonville

Games Studied: 2016 regular season vs. Tennessee; 2016 preseason vs. Tampa Bay

Report: Ash spent time on and off the active roster and practice squad during his stay in Jacksonville. He was active for one game this season and one in 2015.

Honestly, he was a much better player on the preseason tape than he was against the Titans in the regular season. He has more power than quickness or speed. He is the complete opposite of Maliek Collins when it comes to getting off the ball. He doesn’t have the explosive quickness or that ability to attack the gap like Collins has.

I see Ash as a nose tackle only, whereas Collins can line up at either spot. But he makes plays within the tackle box. His effort gets him free more than his technique. He fights hard along the line of scrimmage to not stay blocked. You don’t see centers or guards get much movement on him one-on-one. He can play square when he gets off the block, and he’s also a wrap-up tackler at the point.

He is limited in his range but not in the effort to try and get outside. He will make the play if it’s right at him. There is limited playing speed and quickness – his upper and lower body power is his best trait. There were snaps where he was on point finding the ball and was able to finish – then others where he was wrapped up with the blocker and the ball went right past him. He doesn’t give you anything as a pass rusher other than pocket push. You would be hard pressed to use him in those stunts like you see from the defensive tackles currently on the roster.

He’s not twitchy in that way. Good player to have on early downs due to his power, which makes him hard to move. Best fit is as a one-technique or nose tackle in this scheme.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...-new-signing-richard-ash-brings-power-dt-spot

Personally, I think that every defense can use at least one player like this. A big, run-stuffing power defensive tackle. I've wanted the Cowboys to acquire one for years, even going back to the 3-4 days of Jay Ratliff at nose tackle.

Not that I have huge expectations for Ash, but I think he can play a role for this team on early downs.

 

[dogunwo]

One game audition while guys on the DL get healthy.

Don't know about you, but I get excited now about McClay and staff bringing guys in. They don't always hit, but they have clearly demonstrated ability to find overlooked players. Fans hated Benson Mayowa six weeks ago. Looks like the staff was right about him, and is a player to watch in year 2 of this system.

 

[DBOY3141]

I think he is just a body for the last game. He probably will not be on the playoff roster, most of the down DL should be back by then. McClain, Tank, TCraw, Thronton pretty much ruled out for season finale

Since he was signed off a PS, I think he has to be on the active roster for 3 weeks. So I assume he will be here for at least one playoff game.

 

[hendog]

Don't know about you, but I get excited now about McClay and staff bringing guys in. They don't always hit, but they have clearly demonstrated ability to find overlooked players. Fans hated Benson Mayowa six weeks ago. Looks like the staff was right about him, and is a player to watch in year 2 of this system.

I'm certainly to the point where I'll give all the guys they draft or bring in a chance before I knock them.

 

[mahoneybill]

Like the 320 part!

Agree. Finally some beef in the middle......

 

[mahoneybill]

I'm certainly to the point where I'll give all the guys they draft or bring in a chance before I knock them.

Agree. If Marinelli wanted him, that's good enough for me...

 

[dallasdave]

Agree. Finally some beef in the middle......

Where's the beef ???

 

[dallasdave]

My reaction to this is that since Irving had to play the entire Lions game at 1T, this move is partly about letting Irving play DE.

I like that idea

 

[Cowboys22]

I think he is just a body for the last game. He probably will not be on the playoff roster, most of the down DL should be back by then. McClain, Tank, TCraw, Thronton pretty much ruled out for season finale

They have the roster spot for him so I suspect they will keep him. I agree he is likely inactive for the playoffs if all the DL return but he can go to camp next year and try and make the team as a run stuffing DT and DL depth. They have some DL that are free agents so there would be no point in cutting him unless you want to sign someone else for the playoffs.

 

[xwalker]

Since he was signed off a PS, I think he has to be on the active roster for 3 weeks. So I assume he will be here for at least one playoff game.

No, they just have to pay him for 3 weeks. They can cut him anytime.

 

[xwalker]

They have the roster spot for him so I suspect they will keep him. I agree he is likely inactive for the playoffs if all the DL return but he can go to camp next year and try and make the team as a run stuffing DT and DL depth. They have some DL that are free agents so there would be no point in cutting him unless you want to sign someone else for the playoffs.

They might want to activate La'el Collins or Tapper. The pool of available players will dry up because teams can sign their practice squad players to futures contracts as soon as the regular season is over. The futures contract prevents another team from signing that player (i.e. Practice Squad players become protected assets).

 

[Hailmary]

If we win the SB and he gets a ring, he has to be the luckiest guy in the NFL.