After taking a defensive end in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys have stuck to the script and added a cornerback in the second. With the 60th overall pick in 2017, Dallas has drafted Chidobe Awuzie out of Colorado.
A player that some thought could go late in the first round, Awuzie has a great mix of size (6’0″, 202 lbs) and athleticism and is able to play outside or in the slot. He’s proven to be effective in zone or man, which fits the Cowboys steady progression toward a more mixed, versatile style of defense.
Another trait that makes Awuzie standout is blitzing, which has long been a standout quality of Orlando Scandrick. Dallas may very well see Awuzie as someone who can replace Scandrick in the near future.
The Cowboys will be back on the clock later tonight with the 92nd overall pick.
I feel much better about Charlton now because to me this CB is a mid-1st rounder. Write-up link below. A lot on the side, and it’s just dinging his tackling and contact with the ball in the air.
But it’s saying Awuzie is an athlete with great man skills. 6′ 0″ / 4.43 40. Given the team need for cover guys I’m taking this set of positives, even ahead of Charlton. Probably an immediate starter with the other starting CB being a camp battle between Scandrick and Brown.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/chidobe-awuzie?id=2557840
I sense a plan in place now for Charlton, if so it’s a pick that can pay off:
The Cowboys need pass rushers period. Charlton has size, agility and power but not really an RDE 1st step & burst. It may be intentional that he’s going to LDT as they bank on Irving’s emergence at LDE.
If you get a 2017 Irving that decides to show up each week, that may become a strong pass rush from the left between the 2 of them. Then add in that they are both tall with long arms. Almost all QB’s are right-handed. I think this is what they’re looking at.
Pencil in Collins at RDT and it’s coming along. You just have the void at RDE, and Lawrence isn’t terrible there.