'Asim' First Impression! Cowboys Fifth-Round Pick Richards 'Awesome' Enough in Rookie Minicamp
Dallas Cowboys rookie Asim Richards - pronounced "Ah-sum,'' which is close enough to "Awesome" - is one of 29 players who participated in rookie minicamp this weekend with a simple goal: "Fly around.''
A fifth-round pick out of North Carolina, the offensive lineman says that in a non-contact setting it's about making a strong impression in other ways.
"You really just have to go out there and give effort," Richards said. "Go out there and run and fly around. I know they try and keep us fresh, but really go out there and fly around, give effort, and if you show that then you're gonna be just fine and that's what I'm trying to do."
At 6-4, 309 pounds, Richards played primarily at left tackle over his four seasons at North Carolina - earning third-team All-ACC honors in 2022 - but could transition to guard at the next level.
"I'm versatile so I'm comfortable at a lot of places," Richards said. "I played left tackle in college so that's naturally going to be my most comfortable position. I like other positions and I got a little taste at the Senior Bowl so I've been working on it for sure."
As coach Mike McCarthy said on draft weekend, He definitely has position flex. So I think the biggest thing is is the ability to play tackle and move down to guard. Position flex is so important."
No matter what position Richards transitions to, he will have the opportunity to learn from a strong offensive line - including All-Pros like guard Zack Martin and tackle Tyron Smith.
"I didn't meet [Smith] yet but I'm excited to and learn from him," Richards said. "I know he's a great, so that's just a resource in the locker room that I can use to get better and hopefully he can help me out."
The Cowboys entered this draft the hope of maybe finding a starting left guard. They presently have budding star Tyler Smith available to be a standout on that side of the center at either position. And Richards? Maybe this is a future investment. With versatility to move around the offensive line, Richards could be an "Asim" - that is, "Awesome'' - steal in the fifth round.
You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard
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