Dallas Cowboys select Asim Richards in 5th round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former North Carolina standout, offensive lineman Asim Richards, has been selected by the Dallas Cowboys at the No. 169 overall pick in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Richards is a 6-foot-4, 309-pound senior tackle that started three seasons for the Tar Heels.

Richards earned third-team All-ACC honors last season for his play on the field, allowing only three sacks in 1,049 snaps played at left tackle on the year. He also allowed just two quarterback hits and 16 hurries in 666 pass protections. With Richards securing the blind side, North Carolina’s offense averaged 309.3 yards per game passing — good for 11th in all of NCAA play. Undoubtedly, one of the most explosive offenses in the country

The Tar Heels also averaged 462.8 yards of total offense last year (19th in NCAA play) and 34.4 points per game (26th in NCAA play).

“The decision to come to Carolina is one of the best decisions I could have ever made,” said Richards when he declared for the draft. “Carolina has been my home for the past 4 years and there is something truly special about this place and the people here.

Richards played high school football at Haverford School, PA, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 19 overall recruit from the state of Pennsylvania in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Asim Richards

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein shared a look at his draft scouting report on Richards, comparing him to former Tennessee Volunteers star Zach Fulton. According to Zierlein, Richards came into the draft as a potential fourth or fifth-round draft pick.

“Richards is thick-hipped with good lower-body power fueling above average drive-blocking potential,” said Zierlein. “He clears space when he’s centered into opponents, but he lacks the body control and hand consistency to do so on a regular basis.

“Pass protection concerns will be diminished with a move inside, but there will still be work needed when it comes to getting his feet in position to slow interior rushers. Richards’ drive blocking and potential position versatility give him a shot at a backup role with upside.”

Despite being a favorable prospect for the NFL level, Zierlein’s concerns over his ability to play left tackle at the next level indicates his prediction comes as a result of his overall ability to be a lineman — inside specifically.