FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys' defensive line took a blow on Wednesday, as defensive end Ryan Davis was moved to injured reserve.
The team made a move to offset that loss by adding defensive lineman Richard Ash. A second-year player, Ash had been serving on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad when he was signed to the Cowboys' active roster.
Bryan Broaddus watched tape of Ash and put together a brief scouting report.
Name: Richard Ash
Position: DT
College: Western Michigan
Height: 6-3
Weight: 320
Draft: Undrafted in 2015, signed with Jacksonville
Games Studied:2016 regular season vs. Tennessee; 2016 preseason vs. Tampa Bay
Report:Ash spent time on and off the active roster and practice squad during his stay in Jacksonville. He was active for one game this season and one in 2015.
Honestly, he was a much better player on the preseason tape than he was against the Titans in the regular season. He has more power than quickness or speed. He is the complete opposite of Maliek Collins when it comes to getting off the ball. He doesn't have the explosive quickness or that ability to attack the gap like Collins has.
I see Ash as a nose tackle only, whereas Collins can line up at either spot. But he makes plays within the tackle box. His effort gets him free more than his technique. He fights hard along the line of scrimmage to not stay blocked. You don't see centers or guards get much movement on him one-on-one. He can play square when he gets off the block, and he's also a wrap-up tackler at the point.
He is limited in his range but not in the effort to try and get outside. He will make the play if it's right at him. There is limited playing speed and quickness – his upper and lower body power is his best trait. There were snaps where he was on point finding the ball and was able to finish – then others where he was wrapped up with the blocker and the ball went right past him. He doesn't give you anything as a pass rusher other than pocket push. You would be hard pressed to use him in those stunts like you see from the defensive tackles currently on the roster.
He's not twitchy in that way. Good player to have on early downs due to his power, which makes him hard to move. Best fit is as a one-technique or nose tackle in this scheme.
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