NFL Draft Profile: Asim Richards, Interior Offensive Linemen, North Carolina Tar Heels
Asim Richards
North Carolina Tar Heels
#72
Pos: OT
Ht: 6040
Wt: 309
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3400
Wing: 8328
40: 5.30
DOB: 10/2/2000
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
High School: The Haverford School
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Asim Richards is a finesse blocker with good athletic ability who can occupy defenders in the run game and speed rushers in the passing game - he would best fit in a quick passing game and zone running scheme
Evaluation:
Richards displays good AA and quick feet to get out in space. He can cover a lot of ground as he is agile and a smooth runner. He flashes by generating power at the POA with a quick first step. He can be classified as a finesse blocker who does not move to put his opponent on the ground. Richards is a cerebral player who uses his experience to anticipate the moves the defender will use. Due to his AA, agility, and foot quickness, he can mirror speed rushers by beating them to the edge. He can struggle when countering pass rushers due to slow UOH. Inconsistent at gaining leverage at the POA with the lack of a strong punch and upper body strength where good arm length of defenders give them space to read and make a move on the play. Regarding his punch, he is erratic in his timing and placement, allowing defenders to quickly gain leverage in the run game to read and react on the play. Richards has a tendency to put his head down when blocking where his opponent seizes the opportunity to use his balance against him to shed the block. He is not great in space and has a tendency to get lost.
Grade:
5th Round
Background:
Asim Richards is a returning starter for North Carolina. In 2021, Richards started all 13 games on the offensive line. He blocked for an offense that averaged 35.2 points per game (19th NCAA/3rd ACC), 468.2 total yards per game (10th NCAA/4th ACC), including 255.7 passing yards per game (42nd NCAA/6th ACC) and 212.5 rushing yards per game (18th NCAA/2nd ACC). He played for a total of 696 snaps this season. In 2020, he started 11 of the 12 games he played in on the offensive line. In high school, he was a three-star prospect who was ranked the No. 6 player in the state of Pennsylvania and the No. 42 overall offensive tackle by 247Sports.
