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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #60 by DAL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Chidobe Awuzie (2017 NFL Draft)

Position: Cornerback

College: University of Colorado

Overview

Chidobe Awuzie was considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility, he played both outside cornerback and in the slot during his college career. Awuzie was praised for his athleticism, technique, and ability to contribute in both pass coverage and run support.

Strengths

  • Versatile Skill Set: Played multiple positions in the secondary, showcasing adaptability to different defensive schemes.
  • Physicality: Demonstrated strong tackling ability and was not afraid to engage in run support.
  • Ball Skills: Showed the ability to make plays on the ball, recording several interceptions and pass deflections during his college career.
  • Intelligence: Exhibited a solid understanding of offensive concepts, allowing him to anticipate routes and make quick decisions.
  • Work Ethic: Known for his dedication to improving his game, demonstrated a strong work ethic during training and practice.

Weaknesses

  • Size Concerns: At 6'0" and around 200 pounds, some scouts questioned whether he had the size to match up against bigger wide receivers consistently.
  • Inconsistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where he struggled to maintain high-level play throughout.
  • Technique Refinement: Needed to improve footwork and hand placement to reduce penalties and better jam receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Projection

Awuzie was projected to be selected in the second or third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His combination of skills and potential made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Comparison

Many analysts compared Awuzie to successful NFL cornerbacks who have made a name for themselves with similar physical attributes and playing styles, highlighting his potential to become a starter in the league.