FRISCO, Texas – A full breakdown of the Cowboys' second-round draft pick (No. 60 overall) Friday night:
Name:Chidobe Awuzie
Position:Cornerback
College:Colorado
Height/Weight:6-0/202
The Rundown:Awuzie was certainly versatile during his time at Colorado as he played throughout the Buffaloes' secondary, lining up at cornerback, both free and strong safety, the nickel slot and even some outside linebacker. He contributed immediately as a freshman in 2013, playing in 12 games in his first season, starting seven and becoming just the 13th freshman in Colorado's history to record at least 50 tackles. He became a full-time starter in his sophomore campaign, appearing in the first nine games before a lacerated kidney cut his season short. At the time of the injury, he was leading the team in tackles, and still finished third on the squad. Back for his junior year, he earned Second Team All-Pac-12 honors and earned the team's Dave Jones Award as the Buffaloes's top player on defense after leading the team with 13 tackles for loss with his 90 tackles overall ranking second. He then capped off his tenure in Boulder by being named co-recipient of Colorado's Zack Jordan Award, given to the Most Valuable Player. He finished his collegiate career with the most tackles for loss (26) and sacks (9) ever by a Buffaloes defensive back, finishing 22nd in school record books for tackles (273).
How He Fits In:After addressing their defensive line in round one with the selection of Taco Charlton, the Cowboys made it clear that they'd be addressing the secondary with their second pick, feeling certain that quality cornerback talent would still be available at pick No. 60. The departure of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, as well as safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox had left the back end of the Dallas defense thin. Given that, Awuzie will now be expected to step right in and contribute immediately alongside veteran Orlando Scandrick, newly signed free agent Nolan Carroll and second-year man Anthony Brown.
Other Options:There were other cornerbacks available when Dallas went on the board, including Cordrea Tankersley and Jourdan Lewis, and the team also showed interest in safety Desmond King, a position they will need to now address later in the draft. And they could always use more help on the defensive line, meaning the likes of Derek Rivers was in play. Whatever the case, defense was going to be the pick.
Next Cowboys Pick:3rd Round (92nd overall)
