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Cowboys rookies Chidobe Awuzie, Lewis Neal impress early
6:00 AM HST
Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer
OXNARD, California --
***snip***
Though you don't want to get carried away with what you see early, the positive first impressions can go a long way down the road toward securing playing time, a spot on the 53-man roster or even a place on the practice squad.
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sway @SwayTLR
Replying to @toddarcher
Why don't the cowboys allow Chidobe to learn one spot first allowing him to play faster in season then expand his role later? #cowboysmail
6:07 AM - Jul 28, 2017
This is a good point that is made. It's one of the reasons why I think Tyrone Crawford has caught the ire of fans over the past two seasons. He was signed to the big extension because of his ability to play the 3 technique. His versatility has allowed the Cowboys to move him around; however, it might rob Crawford of what he does best.
With Chidobe Awuzie, the Cowboys' second-round pick this year, he has played multiple roles before. He did it at Colorado. He is learning strongside corner, weakside corner, the nickel, the dime and even some safety. That's a lot for anybody, but especially a rookie.
I wrote about him on Friday and how he's handling the different positions. He admitted to going a little cross-eyed in studying the different spots. And he has produced. He has two interceptions in two padded practices.
The Cowboys did this with Byron Jones in 2015, and now they have what they believe is a cornerstone player. It's too early to call Awuzie that, but there are positive signs.
And there have been positive signs from undrafted free-agent defensive lineman Lewis Neal.
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Eric Barnes @Ebanga33
Replying to @toddarcher
I know training camp has just started, but do you see any potential UDFA on defense that might make the roster? #cowboysmail
6:19 AM - Jul 28, 2017
The Cowboys did not have an undrafted free agent make their team a year ago, which is something of a surprise, given the success they have had over the years with the likes of Cole Beasley, Jeff Heathand Dan Bailey. (I'm not counting La'el Collins as a typical undrafted free agent because of the circumstances that led to his draft-day slide.)
In four years at LSU, Neal started 24 games and finished with 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 12 hurries, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He was active there, and he has been active for the Cowboys.
http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cow...okies-chidobe-awuzie-lewis-neal-impress-early
6:00 AM HST
OXNARD, California --
***snip***
Though you don't want to get carried away with what you see early, the positive first impressions can go a long way down the road toward securing playing time, a spot on the 53-man roster or even a place on the practice squad.
Follow
sway @SwayTLRReplying to @toddarcher
Why don't the cowboys allow Chidobe to learn one spot first allowing him to play faster in season then expand his role later? #cowboysmail
6:07 AM - Jul 28, 2017
This is a good point that is made. It's one of the reasons why I think Tyrone Crawford has caught the ire of fans over the past two seasons. He was signed to the big extension because of his ability to play the 3 technique. His versatility has allowed the Cowboys to move him around; however, it might rob Crawford of what he does best.
With Chidobe Awuzie, the Cowboys' second-round pick this year, he has played multiple roles before. He did it at Colorado. He is learning strongside corner, weakside corner, the nickel, the dime and even some safety. That's a lot for anybody, but especially a rookie.
I wrote about him on Friday and how he's handling the different positions. He admitted to going a little cross-eyed in studying the different spots. And he has produced. He has two interceptions in two padded practices.
The Cowboys did this with Byron Jones in 2015, and now they have what they believe is a cornerstone player. It's too early to call Awuzie that, but there are positive signs.
And there have been positive signs from undrafted free-agent defensive lineman Lewis Neal.
Follow
Eric Barnes @Ebanga33Replying to @toddarcher
I know training camp has just started, but do you see any potential UDFA on defense that might make the roster? #cowboysmail
6:19 AM - Jul 28, 2017
The Cowboys did not have an undrafted free agent make their team a year ago, which is something of a surprise, given the success they have had over the years with the likes of Cole Beasley, Jeff Heathand Dan Bailey. (I'm not counting La'el Collins as a typical undrafted free agent because of the circumstances that led to his draft-day slide.)
In four years at LSU, Neal started 24 games and finished with 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 12 hurries, seven pass deflections, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He was active there, and he has been active for the Cowboys.
http://www.espn.com/blog/dallas-cow...okies-chidobe-awuzie-lewis-neal-impress-early
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