2017 NFL Draft: Colorado Chidobe Awuzie Scouting Report
Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie is a versatile defensive back who has experience playing on the outside, in the slot and at safety.
Chidobe Awuzie is a fluid athlete who is capable of fitting any defensive system. He’s a unique prospect because he could fit as an outside cornerback or working out of the slot. In fact, he is someone who can follow a specific receiver all over the field.
It’s his fluidity that makes him such a strong cover corner. He’s able to easily flip his hips and change direction. This allows him to keep in-phase with his target and limit separation.
Awuzie would also fit in a zone system thanks to his awareness and short-area burst. He does a great job reading the quarterback and closing on the football. His quick-twitch ability makes him a threat to generate both interceptions and pass breakups.
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Colorado also asked Awuzie to use his explosiveness to rush the quarterback. He has a knack for timing the snap and blitzing off the edge.
Awuzie is a will run defender who shows the ability to deliver a pop while also making sound tackles. His tackling ability allowed Colorado to use him on punt coverage as a gunner. The ability to help on special teams only adds to his versatility.
A negative that evaluators will look at is Awuzie lacks great size for the position. He’s technically undersized but isn’t a bigger corner which some teams in the NFL prefer.
Overall, Awuzie is an exceptional athlete who also features a great feel for the game. He’s playmaker who not only impacts the passing game but also helps in run support. The fact he can easily switch from working on the outside to the slot is a major feather in his cap.
Current Draft Stock: 2nd Round