Tag: Asim Richards

It’s time for Cowboys to bench this highly-paid player and try something new

If the Cowboys plan to cut Terence Steele this winter, they should kick the tires on possible replacements. | From @ReidDHanson

Not much is going right in Dallas these days. Fresh of their 30-24 loss to San Francisco, the Cowboys find themselves saddled with a losing record, 2.5 games back in the NFC East, and facing one of the toughest remaining schedules in the NFL. Changes are needed and all options deserve consideration.

One such idea is to make a change at the right tackle position. On one hand the Cowboys have stalwart Terence Steele locked and loaded for the foreseeable future. Steele was re-signed in the offseason of 2023 and is under contract through 2028. On the other hand, Steele isn’t playing well and at a cap charge of $18,125,000, he may be too costly for the Dallas front office to justify next season.

The player working behind Steele at RT has been Matt Waletzko. Waletzko, a fifth-round pick from 2022, has been a project player for the past two seasons. Injuries have slowed his development, and preseason action has looked rough, but Waletzko is an inexpensive player who’s signed through next season. If the Cowboys plan to move on from Steele over the winter, it makes sense to test his replacement in advance.

Although maybe Waletzko isn’t the answer. Maybe that’s just swapping one problem with a bigger problem. With reserve tackle Asim Richards, it’s possible the Cowboys have Steele’s replacement somewhere else on their roster. Richards, a former college left tackle who Dallas took in the fifth round in 2023, is a low-cost alternative the Cowboys have been determined to develop.

The only problem is that’s been on the left side.

Richards is signed through the 2026 season, meaning Dallas would get over two more years of cheap labor from the former Tar Heel if they went his direction instead. That may not matter much to fans but to the front office such a possibility is golden.

Steele has always been a controversial figure in Dallas. The former undrafted free agent was thrown into the fire as a rookie and morphed himself into a success story. Prior to a catastrophic knee injury suffered late in 2022, Steele was regarded as an elite run blocker capable of dominating opponents at the line and on the move.

His pass protection often left something to be desired, so when the Cowboys re-signed Steele coming off the injury, more than a few eyebrows were raised. Now nearly two years removed from the injury, Steele is still dividing fans over his value. Steele has reclaimed much of his glory as a run blocker, ranking in Pro Football Focus’ top 10 amongst run blocking OTs this season. But as a pass protector he’s been nothing short of terrible.

Despite playing in only seven games, Steele’s 23 pressures allowed are tied for third worst amongst OTs in 2024. Of the 76 OTs PFF graded this season, Steele ranks just 53rd. He’s one of the NFL’s highest paid OTs but he consistently grades in the bottom in pass protection, a score validated by film review and total pressures allowed. Waletzko and Richards may not be the answer but five years into the Steele experiment, it’s clear he isn’t either.

According to Over the Cap, cutting Steele becomes financially feasible this coming offseason. The team would save $14 million in 2025 by designating him a post-June 1 cut. If the writing is really on the wall for Steele, it makes more sense to test his replacements now than to wait until March when the real decisions become due.

Something for the Cowboys to think about over the next few weeks.

Related articles

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Good news, bad news for Cowboys’ depth issues at offensive tackle

The Cowboys are exceptionally suspect in their OT depth, placing much pressure on the starters to stay healthy says @ReidDHanson.

The Cowboys couldn’t be happier with the development of rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton. The first round pick out of Oklahoma is every bit as advertised athletically, and his learning curve has exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations.

The Cowboys are similarly pleased with the rehabilitation of veteran right tackle, Terence Steele. The homegrown tackle is hoping to put his disappointing 2023 season behind him. Another year removed from his nasty knee injury late in 2022, Steele is looking closer to his pre-injury self.

Both accounts serve as good news for the offense since the options behind them are worrisome, to say the least. Chuma Edoga, the original starting LT in training camp, is expected to be out multiple weeks after suffering a significant toe injury. And Earl Bostick, a promising depth OT, suffered a season-ending leg injury and has been placed on IR. Dallas signed OT Cohl Cabral to compensate the loss, but he’s not seen as much more than a camp body at this point.

Depth responsibilities have fallen onto the shoulders of a pair of former fifth-round picks, Matt Waletzko and Asim Richards. While both players have shown signs of development, neither appear to be ready to fill in as an OT starter anytime soon. Before the rash of injuries, Waletzko was projected by many to miss the Cowboys’ final 53-man cut altogether. As for Richards, he has outside flex but currently looks better at the guard position.

Even with some questions still percolating regarding the play of Guyton and Steele, the falloff from the starters to the back-ups appears to be extremely significant. So much so, Mike McCarthy will likely have to change the offensive design if either starter goes down.

With Waletzko playing RT against the Raiders staters last week, Dallas seemed to actively avoid plays which required Cooper Rush to be in the pocket very long. Three-step drops and quick read plays dominated the play-calling. It’s certainly a situation the Cowboys want to avoid because it bleeds into so many other areas of the offense.

Some have suggested the Cowboys could trade for a veteran or scour the waiver wire after final cuts are made but it’s unlikely either avenue would offer anything much better than what Richards and Waletzko offer. For as unready as the pair looks today, they are progressing as prospects so it’s fair to say part of the good news lies in their upside. As long as both starters can stay healthy through the first portion of the season, the Cowboys won’t have to throw Richards or Waletzko into the fire.

The good news is Guyton and Steele have a relatively healthy injury history. Obviously, Steele lost time from the aforementioned knee injury late in 2022, but even then, he only missed a total of four regular season games. He bounced back in record time and played all 17 games in 2023. That knee injury is the only blemish on his four-year record in Dallas.

As a rookie Guyton doesn’t have the professional track record to reference that Steele does but based on his college scouting reports, he only had one undisclosed injury on his record, playing in all but one game. In the preseason Guyton missed practice time from an illness but was immediately tossed back into action when Edoga suddenly went down against the Rams. It speaks to his ability to rebound and perform under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Both Steele and Guyton appear to be durable players capable of physically holding up throughout the season. The Cowboys will need that because the depth pieces behind them aren’t ready.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

It might be time for the Cowboys to focus Asim Richards at RT

There’s an easier path to opportunity at RT than at LT for the Cowboys Asim Richards, says @ReidDHanson.

Asim Richards came to the Cowboys as a somewhat unique prospect. Selected No. 169 overall, Richards was neither a high potential developmental guy nor was he a polished plug-and-play guy. He was something of a tweener.

Given his three years of starting experience at LT in college and his continued work in Dallas on the left, it’s understandable he’s penciled in there once again in 2024. But that might be a mistake. Given the situation on the Cowboys line, bigger needs and better opportunities could be awaiting Richards at RT.

6-foot-4, 309-pounds, Richards came to the Cowboys with the size but not the strength. Dane Brugler’s scouting profile highlighted his limitations in lower body flexibility and his weaknesses in technique. But what was clear from his college tape was he was a batter pass protector than run blocker and overall, he was steadily improving and yet to hit his developmental plateau.

The North Carolina offensive lineman had 38 games starting experience with the Tar Heels, 37 of which were at the all-important left tackle spot, which is where he best fit as a pro.

The rookie didn’t get many opportunities. The Cowboys two starting tackle remained fairly healthy most of the year, allowing Richards to develop in the background. Tabbed as a left tackle, 27 of his 39 snaps on the offensive line came at the LT position making him an early favorite to back up the rookie Tyler Guyton on Dak Prescott’s blindside.

It seems clear, the aforementioned Guyton is the future of the LT position in Dallas. Drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, Guyton will be given every chance to succeed at LT this year and going forward.

The right side is a completely different issue. Terence Steele has been a hot conversation all offseason. His sketchy 2023 season makes 2024 do-or-die for the 27-year-old RT. With an out in his contract next spring, the Cowboys aren’t tied to Steele like they are Guyton. If Steele stumbles, there will be an opening at RT and that’s something Richards could take advantage of.

Switching sides is much easier said than done, of course. Not many players can flip between left and right at a moment’s notice which is why the traditional swing tackle position has been steadily phasing out around the league. It’s for this reason Richards should start the process now.

Given his experience at North Carolina and Dallas, Richards can’t currently be expected to fill in at RT – even in a jam. He’s played exclusively on the left. Early work in training camp could pay off down the road. The odds are much better the Cowboys will be looking for a new RT before they’re looking for a new LT, so the strategy is sound.

Hopefully Steele bounces back to his preinjury form and Richards isn’t needed to start anywhere. Richards can just focus on what he does best and fill in at LT if something should happen to Guyton. But contingency plans are important and there’s a very real possibility the Cowboys will be in the RT market much sooner than the other side.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Asim Richard’s versatility could mean an intriguing future with Cowboys

Richards didn’t contribute much as a rookie but his future is bright and he could be the Cowboys top swing OL in the 2024 season, says @ReidDHanson.

When the Cowboys drafted Asim Richards from North Carolina in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, many called it a steal. The 38-game starter had a track record of success in college. He was a technically sound prospect with loads of experience and proven durability. It was believed the main thing he lacked, strength, was something a year in the weight room could fix.

For roughly three years the Cowboys have been trying to turn a Day 3 draft pick into a viable NFL OT. There is reason to believe the third time is the charm with Dallas’ selection of Richards. Looking at contributions, he’s already ahead of his two Day 3 predecessors.

Josh Ball was selected No. 138 in the 2021 draft. After suffering a soft tissue injury in the hip/groin area, he landed on IR contributing zero snaps his rookie season. Matt Waletzko was then selected 155th in the 2022 draft but he only gave Dallas one offensive snap in his rookie year. Richards’ 39 snaps his rookie season are modest but technically blow both of the other guys’ rookie numbers out of the water.

It’s not the snaps he did get, but rather the reports coming from around the team that lead many to be optimistic about Richards’ future.

Gaining experience, however miniscule, at LG, RG, and LT should payoff down the road. Richards, 6-foot-4, 307-pounds, might not have fit Dallas’ prototype at OT but his 35-inch arms put him in rarefied air as a tackle prospect (pro day measurement).

Cowboys’ offensive line already accounts for almost 25% of ’24 salary cap

Following the money spent on the offensive line finds Dallas’ depth impressive but two big holes have to be filled. | From @ArmyChiefW3

Budgeting for the offensive line is not an easy task as this group, whose numbers normally hover around 10 every season, can consume a large portion of a team’s salary cap. Even when only one player is paid top dollar, the amount of money spent on linemen can be a burden based on sheer numbers. With so many teams across the league scrambling for viable options, Dallas has assembled a cast of young hopefuls that could provide depth for the next few years.

The Cowboys will need to address the starting left tackle position this offseason, and although the upcoming draft is full of options, bringing back Tyron Smith could be the smart play. So could an agreement with center Tyler Biadasz, who is slated to hit the open market for the first time in his career. Here’s a rundown of what is currenly on the ledger for the group going into 2024.

Charlie Heck comes in as injury replacement, helps Texans to blowout win

Former UNC offensive tackle Charlie Heck was supposed to start an NFL Playoff game yesterday. He instead came on in injury relief.

The Cleveland Browns, with all the injuries they faced and quarterbacks they rotated through this year, weren’t even supposed to be in the playoffs.

The Houston Texans, who drafted rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, were hoping to see better on-field results this year. Playoffs were a dream, but not something that seemed entirely possible.

Both teams faced off in an AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday, with Stroud and rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans overwhelming Cleveland in a 45-14 blowout.

We talked about former Tar Heel Charlie Heck starting this game at right tackle, but it was instead George Fant who did so. Heck actually came on in the first half as an injury replacement, with Texans All-Pro starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil leaving due to a knee injury.

Heck helped block for a Houston team that hung 356 yards of offense on the NFL’s top-ranked defense, which limited Houston to just 250 yards on Christmas Eve. Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, while Texans running back Devin Singletary ran for 66 yards and a score.

Good news for UNC fans – Heck isn’t the only former Tar Heel in the  NFL postseason. Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards and Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green play this evening, with both hoping to help their respective teams to Wild Card victories.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Several former Tar Heels set to play in NFL Playoffs

There are six former UNC football players on NFL postseason rosters. Houston Texans right tackle Charlie Heck will be the only one starting.

Starting in just two days, there’ll be a lot of smiles and broken hearts.

No, we’re not talking about weddings and breakups. We’re talking about the NFL Playoffs.

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to win their first Super Bowl since 1994, with 2024 their best chance to do so, thanks to a pair of MVP candidates in Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.

The Cleveland Browns have defied all injury odds, winning four December games to put themselves in the AFC’s top Wild Card spot, by playing top-notch defense and bringing in Joe Flacco behind a banged-up offensive line.

UNC football fans should also be excited about the NFL postseason, with six former Tar Heels set to take the field. This should offer the Carolina faithful some much-needed relief, with the college campaign not ending so well.

You might want to know – which Tar Heels will be suiting up in pursuit of a Super Bowl? There’s one name you might be able to guess (former second overall pick), but you’ll have to read the full list below for more names.

Cowboys backup LT Chuma Edoga leave on cart after leg injury

The Cowboys lost their backup left tackle in the midst of a blowout win. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys started the week with their cleanest injury report of the entire season. On Wednesday, only backup safety Juanyeh Thomas was listed and even he was a full participant. Thursday though brought an unexpected listed, as Tyron Smith was limited with a neck injury, after suffering a stinger.

It was assumed he was going to play based on words from both head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones, however Smith was among the seven inactives named over an hour before kickoff. Now, deep into the second half of a blowout victory, Dallas is down to their third-string left tackle.

Chuma Edoga, who has played in Smith’s absence throughout the season, had his right leg fallen on during a pass block on a huge play to Ceedee Lamb. Edoga laid stretched out on the field for a long time before the cart eventually took him into the locker room for futher evaluation.

Fifth-round rookie Asim Richards, who looked good during the preseason but has only seen 20 regular-season snaps entering the week, came in to replace him.

Where does the Cowboys’ draft class stand ahead of cutdown day?

Questions surrounded the 2023 class yet as cutdown day approaches things look promising for each member’s chances. From @ArmyChiefW3

It has been said one must wait three years in order to properly gauge how well a team’s draft class fared. Growth is part of the process, but immediate impact by special players reinvigorates fanbases and quickly changes the season’s outlook. Take the rookie seasons of QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott for obvious examples.

While the three-year mark is a nice guideline, it is far from a rule and honestly, a lot less fun. Gauging a player with draft grades sets a baseline of expectations which are fun to track throughout a player’s career.

While immediate impact is always desired, having the patience to trust the developmental program may be the most beneficial support a young player can have. So where do the players from the Cowboys 2023 draft class currently stand before rosters are trimmed to 53?

Asim Richards looking more and more like Cowboys’ top reserve OT

Asim Richards has exceeded expectations as a rookie and now looks like one of the Cowboys top young reserves at left tackle. | From @ReidDHanson

When the Cowboys drafted Asim Richards with the No. 169 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, they thought they had themselves a steal. Richards, a three-year starter at North Carolina, came to the NFL with experience, technique, and athleticism.

Lacking ideal NFL strength, Richards was expected to require a year of development in the weight room before he could feasibly contribute. Good feet and athleticism can only get an offensive tackle so far in the NFL. He’d need to bulk up.

Luckily for the Cowboys they had a few promising options on their roster who could buy Richards time to develop. But as Cowboys fans know all too well, things don’t always go as planned and patience isn’t always an option in the NFL.

The Cowboys’ most promising young OT prospect, Matt Waletzko, has had a preseason to forget. Not only has he struggled in live action, but he recently suffered an injury which has kept him off the field. Suddenly patience is no longer a luxury Dallas enjoys and the time for Richards to perform is now.

It’s a challenge Richards has seemingly embraced and a situation that’s given him the inside track on the OT3 role in 2023.

Over the first preseason games, Richards has shown all traits that made him such a highly regarded developmental prospect. His feet, movement, and agility are things that can’t be taught. His strength limitations are apparent, but at the same time they’ve been manageable.

Richards has been one of the Cowboys’ top rated pass blockers in the preseason. He’s played 118 offensive snaps, with 78 of them in pass protection. Of those 78, he hasn’t been called for a penalty, allowed a hit, or given up a sack.

He’s given up four pressures total, but based on his workload and early expectations, four pressures represent a big win for Richards. He no longer looks like the project player he was when drafted and is starting to look like a legit depth option for Dallas as they embark on the 2023 season.

Based on preseason usage, the Cowboys view Waletzko as a RT (all of his snaps have come at RT) and Richards as a LT (where majority of his snaps have come). It’s possible the traditional label of “swing tackle” isn’t applicable to this year’s squad and each side has their own specialist waiting in the wings.

Yet performance indicates it’s Richards who’s the third best tackle of the preseason and he’s blown his previously modest expectations out of the water.

None of this is to say Richards is the next man up if Tyron Smith goes down this season. Tyler Smith is still regarded as the LT of the future so it stands to reason if Tyron Smith is lost for an extended period of time, Tyler Smith would be considered the replacement for him. This would conceivably push the rookie Richards down a rung on the depth chart.

Regardless of how specific scenarios would hypothetically play out, Richards has been a breath of fresh air to a unit that’s struggled all preseason. He provides added security for 2023 and could be an invaluable piece down the road.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]