How offensive lineman Asim Richards could end up being the steal of the draft for the Cowboys

[zekecowboy]

Richards is a young, ascending player who still needs development if he is to become a capable NFL starter, but what is interesting about him is that he has a lot of traits that may allow him to get on the field sooner by sliding inside. For starters, he is a fantastic run-blocker. He exhibits great strength starting with exceptional knee bend and strong lower body power. He’s a player that can get his hands on you, turn his hips, and create a nice running lane for his running back.


Richards is a very smart player. He shows good initial quickness and gets to his spot right away, attacking the inside shoulder of the defender and making it incredibly hard for his man to have a clean shot at the ball carrier. The intelligence to move fast and get himself into position allows him to be an effective sealer and he has some impressive run-blocking reps on display. The length and strength in his hands make it very hard for defenders to get away as Richards does a great job climbing blocks and finishing.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ensive-lineman-asim-richards-steal-for-dallas

 

[rags747]

Everything I have read about him says that he needs to get stronger. The above says that he exhibits great strength. Interesting…

 

[big dog cowboy]

I know the Cowboys had a close eye on him and liked him a lot. It won't surprise me if he is the LOG starter in 2024. Stolen from the Draft Zone.....

Will McClay:

Left guard was arguably the team’s biggest need entering the draft. They did not pick a college guard after debating on the possibility in the first round. Richards, a left tackle in college, could see snaps at both guard and tackle.

“He’ll get work at both spots,” McClay said, “And I think that is extremely valuable in the NFL at this point because there are 32 teams and 32 teams have eight offensive linemen, plus whatever on the practice squad. I would tell you that there are not enough quality, quality offensive linemen to go around for 32 teams.

“We typically like to take tackles and move them into guards because tackles are usually your best athletes, that way you have an athletic offensive line. That’s not to say we won’t draft a guard and have him play guard or draft a center to play center. But you look at doing things that way because of the versatility.”

Summary:

Asim Richards is an undersized but long finesse-ish pass pro specialist. He's a quality athlete but at times struggles sliding inside. His hand work is mostly very good. At times, he's a little late with his hands but does a fantastic job controlling with one hand then working his second hand to the EDGE after reacting to his pass-rush move. Anchor is solid for his size, but he does need to get much stronger/add weight at the next level. Balance is good, not amazing, and his grip strength is inconsistent. He's actually better in classic vertical sets than quick setting to get into the blocker early. He's a little lost at the second level and doesn't have people-moving power right now in the run game, but he has run-blocking upside because of his athleticism. Length checks the box, too. Overall, he's a developmental-ish blocker with talent and fine technique.

Strengths:

• Smooth feet
• Awesome in classic vertical sets
• Quality hand work, uses his punch well

Weaknesses:

• Needs to get nastier at the point of attack
• Overall balance and grip strength have to improve
• Second-level climbs are occasionally inaccurate and awkward

 

[cowboysfan31]

Everything I have read about him says that he needs to get stronger. The above says that he exhibits great strength. Interesting…

I’m no expert, but from what I’ve seen on tape his biggest issue is balance. This appears to be more of a technique thing in my opinion but only time will tell. I watch him stand straight up after the snap, allowing defenders to get under his pad level and throw him around. When he does decide to get low and drive, he gets movement.

 

[ChronicCowboy]

It was a good pick but one for the future. I wouldn’t trust him out there next season in anything other than spot duty.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

I’m no expert, but from what I’ve seen on tape his biggest issue is balance. This appears to be more of a technique thing in my opinion but only time will tell. I watch him stand straight up after the snap, allowing defenders to get under his pad level and throw him around. When he does decide to get low and drive, he gets movement.

Sounds like he is more of a run blocker then, ...but if you not strong enough on top you can get knocked off balance easier. So an NFL weight room will do him wonders. Coming from UNC, i am sure they don't have the best being a basketball school. I actually like the UDFA linemen better; Bostic and Bass.

 

[BlindFaith]

Steal of the draft? Don't they realize we drafted Barry Sanders at the very end of rd6?

 

[Risen Star]

Blogging the Boys.

 

[BlindFaith]

Blogging the Boys.

Someone should recommend them changing their name. Just sayin.

 

[Beaker42]

It was a good pick but one for the future. I wouldn’t trust him out there next season in anything other than spot duty.

Unless Ball improves A TON, Richard’s will be his replacement. Then it’s back to the PS or down the road for Josh.

 

[john van brocklin]

Richards is a young, ascending player who still needs development if he is to become a capable NFL starter, but what is interesting about him is that he has a lot of traits that may allow him to get on the field sooner by sliding inside. For starters, he is a fantastic run-blocker. He exhibits great strength starting with exceptional knee bend and strong lower body power. He’s a player that can get his hands on you, turn his hips, and create a nice running lane for his running back.


Richards is a very smart player. He shows good initial quickness and gets to his spot right away, attacking the inside shoulder of the defender and making it incredibly hard for his man to have a clean shot at the ball carrier. The intelligence to move fast and get himself into position allows him to be an effective sealer and he has some impressive run-blocking reps on display. The length and strength in his hands make it very hard for defenders to get away as Richards does a great job climbing blocks and finishing.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ensive-lineman-asim-richards-steal-for-dallas

Me likey!

 

[conner01]

It was a good pick but one for the future. I wouldn’t trust him out there next season in anything other than spot duty.

He’s gonna need to develop but he has something to work with. Get technique down and live in the weight room. See what he has next camp. It’s sometimes amazing how these guys can totally change their bodies in an off season

 

[Jumbo075]

There is no reason not to give the same consideration to Josh Ball, who will have two off seasons in the weight room by this summer. If you are willing to give Richards the benefit of the doubt, then give Ball the same consideration. Just because he flamed out at tackle doesn’t mean he cannot become a good Guard. We just don’t know. So give both Ball and Richards a chance.

 

[xwalker]

Everything I have read about him says that he needs to get stronger. The above says that he exhibits great strength. Interesting…

He handled the power of Keanu Benton and the small school 335 pound NT during the Senior Bowl drills. Benton did get him once but it was on a quick step move, not a power move.

Only 13 bench reps.