Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado #4
6′, 205lbs
Senior
What’s to like: High football IQ, great ability to read quarterbacks. Very well understanding of wide receiver’s route concepts. A very aggressive tackler in run support, high effort to get off blocks. Will take ball carrier’s head off trying to get them to the ground. Has experience at boundary as well as in the nickel. Has special teams experience as the gunner. High effort guy who does not quit until the whistle.
Concerns: Low turnover rate, only 1 INT, 2 FF in 2016. Only 3 interceptions in college. Not overly athletic, lacks desired long and recovery speed. More quick than fast. Tackling form could use improvement as he uses just his shoulder too often.
Verdict: A very smart and sound cornerback. Meant for zone scheme. He may not check all the athletic boxes at the combine, but the Steelers should love this kid. Off field he is a high character guy with leadership ability. Steelers need a boundary corner opposite Artie Burns and Awuzie has spent time at both boundary and nickel spots along with special teams experience.
Stats: 65 tackles (53 solo), 6 TFL, 1 INT, 2 FF, 11 Passes defended.
Grade: 3rd round
Games watched: Colorado State 2016, Stanford 2016, USC 2016
DraftBreakdown video page: http://draftbreakdown.com/players/chidobe-awuzie/
All 2017 Steel City Blitz Draft Player Journals
Photo courtesy: Getty Images
Video courtesy: DraftBreakdown.com