UNC Football: Asim Richards drafted in the fifth round
By Jordan Falls
Former UNC Football offensive lineman Asim Richards was selected by the Dallas Cowboys on the final day of the NFL Draft.
The UNC football program saw its second player taken in the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon when offensive lineman Asim Richards was selected by the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas takes UNC OL Asim Richards in the 5th round with the 169th overall pick. He's the fourth Tar Heels O-lineman to be picked across the last four drafts, joining Charlie Heck (4th round 2020), Joshua Ezeudu (3rd round 2022) and Marcus McKethan (5th round 2022).
— Adam Smith (@adam_smith_IC) April 29, 2023
Richards follows Josh Downs as the other Tar Heel selected in this year’s draft to this point. He spent four seasons in Chapel Hill along the UNC offensive line protecting current Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell and current UNC quarterback Drake Maye and started in 38 of his final 39 games for Carolina.
Richards made third-team All-ACC honors during his senior season in 2022 allowing only three sacks. He has been part of a Tar Heel high-power offense that has ranked near the top of the country for the last several seasons. He spent most of his senior season at left tackle for Carolina, but Dallas believes he could really play anywhere.
Cowboys OL coach Mike Solari on the Dallas Cowboys website draft show on Asim Richards: “He’s an ascending player. He’s young. Really excited about this addition.” Cowboys view him as a guard/tackle option. He’s a smart young man. He wouldn’t have trouble moving left to right.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 29, 2023
Dallas has a history of having great offensive line play and it will be interesting to see if Richards will develop into that role and follow that trend. We certainly believe that this is a developmental pick by the Cowboys and don’t expect Richards to start from day one.
Next. UNC Football: Josh Downs drafted by Indianapolis Colts. dark
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