Pros and cons of Cowboys taking North Carolina football’s Asim Richards in 2023 NFL Draft
North Carolina football’s Asim Richards was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richards was drafted No. 169th overall. UNC had two offensive linemen selected in last year's draft.
An All-ACC performer in his final season with the Tar Heels, Richards started all 14 games on the offensive line, playing 1,049 snaps at left tackle and allowed only three sacks.
Richards blocked for an offense that averaged 462.8 total yards, 309.3 passing yards and 34.4 points per game.
Here’s what Richards brings to the NFL.
The positives
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Richards was a model of consistency as a three-year starter. His versatility and reliability as a pass and run blocker will give him a shot to be on the depth chart.
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As the anchor for a line that helped UNC develop one of the top offenses in the nation, Richards is solid at driving would-be tacklers with his quick hands and lower-body power. He has experience in several run and passing schemes.
The concerns
Body control and footwork are among the concerns of the experts. Improved athleticism and lateral movement would give him a better chance of earning some time on the field. In the final stretch of the 2022 season, UNC’s offensive line failed to adequately protect quarterback Drake Maye and struggled in the running game.
Final thoughts
Versatility and reliability are among Richards’ top traits. He started in 38 of his 39 final games at UNC and he has a chance to become a solid backup with the upside of developing into a starter down the road.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Dallas Cowboys pick UNC’s Asim Richards in 2023 NFL Draft
