Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Dallas Cowboys have added numerous new players to their roster this season. Between another draft, a few trades, and a free agency that was a little more active than years past, there are going to be several new players to root for this season. With so many players to keep our interest, it’s easy to forget about some of the lesser-known fellas on the roster. But every year, guys emerge from the woodwork to be key contributors on the team. Who will be the player who does that this season?
A few years ago, we mentioned that Jayron Kearse was the one player on the roster that everyone is forgetting about. His skills against the run and in coverage were something the team had been lacking at the safety position. Kearse took full advantage, starting 15 games and leading the team in tackles. He also tacked on 10 pass-breakups and two interceptions. He emerged as a key defensive player, earning him a second contract with the team.
A couple of years ago, we discussed how Brock Hoffman was the one player who could make the Cowboys have second thoughts about extending Tyler Biadasz. A practice squad player the year prior, Hoffman was poised to show that he had more to offer if given a chance. And sure enough, his progression continued, and the team let Biadasz walk in free agency, leaving Hoffman with an opportunity to take over as the starting center. Ultimately, the team drafted Cooper Beebe last season, but Hoffman still made his presence felt, starting seven games last year, mostly filling in for the injured Zack Martin.
Last year, the player we labeled as the guy everyone had completely forgotten about was Chauncey Golston. A third-round pick, Golston had always been a solid player, but he’d been buried on the depth chart, so his chances had been limited. And with fans more interested in the rookie Marshawn Kneeland and third-year player Sam Williams, Golston was an afterthought. But he made the list because the Cowboys had lost two of their defensive ends in free agency, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. All it would take is some bad luck in the health department, and Golston’s number would be called. Sadly, the team’s defensive end group was beat up last year, with several players missing multiple games. Golston got his chance, starting 13 games where he finished with 5.5 sacks and even had an interception, earning himself a nice reward in free agency with the New York Giants.
When you look at these players, they all have multiple things in common. First, the talent was there. They had already provided a glimpse of playmaking ability, which is why the team was interested in them in the first place. Second, they were in the right place at the right time. Due to the team’s depth at their respective positions, opportunities arose, and they capitalized. With that in mind, what player might fit that description this season?
This year’s nominee is former fifth-round pick Asim Richards. From the moment he was drafted, it looked as if the team had found a late-round gem. He was an experienced player coming out of college with good traits. His hands, his knee bend, and his ability to turn his hips all made him an intriguing run-blocker. He’s a cerebral player, always quick to his spot to seal off his man. He’s got length, he’s got strength, and he’s quick enough to climb into the second level. The skills are there.
What Richards has been lacking is opportunity. In his rookie season, the Cowboys were surprisingly healthy at the tackle position. Terence Steele had returned from injury and logged the most snaps of any offensive player, and Tyron Smith played 847 snaps, the only time he has done that over his last five seasons. Last year, Smith was gone, and Richards got more chances, including his first-ever start, but most of the reps were taken by rookie Tyler Guyton and veteran free agent Chuma Edoga.
Edoga is now gone, and the Cowboys don’t really have a swing tackle candidate ahead of Richards this season. It should be his job to lose. But more than that, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has made it clear that he’s playing his best five offensive linemen.
While the expectations are that Guyton takes a nice year two jump this season, nothing is promised. Any struggle this year could open the door for Richards to slide in. Obviously, we’re rooting for the team’s former first-round pick to turn a corner because the upside is more favorable, but don’t sleep on Richards. He could also challenge Steele on the other side if the veteran starts to slip. And there is always the possibility of injury.
Richards has been a solid player who continues to develop, and if given the opportunity, he could end up a sneaky-good under-the-radar player for the Cowboys this season.
