2017 NFL Draft Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Chidobe Awuzie
By Ben Almquist
The Kansas City Chiefs could use some help in the secondary. Chidobe Awuzie of Colorado could be a big boost to the team.
The 2016 season presented a number of concerns for the Kansas City Chiefs defense. One of the more pressing ones was a lack of reliable cornerbacks. This is a position the Chiefs will absolutely need to address in the upcoming draft. One of the best, but least talked about, prospects is Chidobe Awuzie of Colorado.
In today’s NFL, you need a stable of reliable defensive backs to counter the spread passing games that have become popular. In 2016, the Chiefs did not have that. It wasn’t until late in the season that Terrance Mitchell finally stepped in opposite of Marcus Peters and provided stability.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, Terrance Mitchell is probably not a good option for a full season. The veteran is a journeyman who has bounced around the league. His success was more likely due to scheme than anything. On top of that, Mitchell is only under contract for this season. Kansas City has to find a long-term option.
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In all reality, it probably wouldn’t hurt the Chiefs to add two corners. On top of Terrance Mitchell’s likely departure after this year, it’s hard to see Kenneth Acker or Phillip Gaines in the long-term plans. John Dorsey would be very wise to re-tool his corps of corners now with such a strong draft class…as he attempted to do last year.
Colorado DB Chidobe Awuzie is going in the first round. Feel pretty good about that prediction.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 6, 2017
Chidobe Awuzie – CB – Colorado
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In just about any other draft class, we would be talking about Chidobe Awuzie as a surefire first round pick. However, in a class loaded with talent, he likely drops to the second. The Colorado corner is an absolute gamer, having played 897 snaps this past year for the Buffs. The All-Pac12 selection was a key piece of the Colorado defense.
Chidobe Awuzie plays the shut down corner role to near-perfection. Good speed and quickness to keep pace with receivers. Awuzie runs smoothly and transitions well from his back-pedal with fluid hips. Plays strong against the run and as a blitzer off the edge. Equally strong on inside or outside assignments.
Two of the major negatives on Chidobe Awuzie early on were his size and speed. However, he put both to rest with a strong showing in the Combine. Awuzie has good ball skills, but doesn’t often convert the interception. Can play a little too careful and doesn’t always lay a big hit.
From a technical point of view, Chidobe Awuzie is an incredible prospect. However, I think he’s a player who will always be solid, but never great. He simply doesn’t come up with the big plays enough to ever be a guy to depend on for it. However, as a complimentary role, there may not be a better option.
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The Kansas City Chiefs absolutely need some help in the secondary. The draft is all about building for the long-term, and the cornerback position needs attention. With teams needing more and more reliable corners, don’t be surprised if this becomes a position the Chiefs draft at nearly every year.