Happy 4th of July to Cowboys Nation!
My next potential breakout player is Chidobe Awuzie.
A former prospect who made an immediate impact as a rookie. Very good cover corner, who possesses all the physical attributes needed for the position, considered a high-level tackler and is extremely durable. Many were surprised how fast Awuzie truly is as he caught Saquan Barkley from behind in which nobody has shown they can do on this level. Awuzie probably one of the most underrated players on the entire team.
Awuzie biggest issue is his lack of ball skills, he struggles badly locating the football when his back is turned to the QB. This allows too many contested catches given up. He usually is in perfect coverage, if he had a little ball awareness, he would become more of a #1 corner. Almost everyone gives Bryon Jones all the praise, but Awuzie was targeted far more, he typically didn't have over the top help as Richard would do that more on the side in which the slot lined up.
The new coaching staff wants Awuzie to play to more to his strengths, playing more facing the QB. They have toyed with the idea of Awuzie playing some nickel safety, this has been confirmed by Awuzie himself. Many forget when coming out he was viewed more as a safety prospect who had CB skills, but also was considered one of the best nickel defenders in his class. Does this mean Awuzie becomes more of a sub-package player? It's my understanding he isn't coming off the field, may remain as the team's outside CB against the run and will be moved inside against the pass.
Any sort of breakout probably gets him paid from another team during fa next off-season. Unless he transitions to more of a full-time safety, the odds of returning would be very small. I believe Nolan and his defensive staff are looking for a particular kind of corner, one who is big, long and possesses high level ball skills. All this said, Awuzie could be primed for a legitimate breakout year!
