2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Colorado Defensive Back Chidobe Awuzie
A look at Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Draft target, defensive back Chidobe Awuzie.
As the 2017 NFL Draft quickly approaches, we are looking at potential targets for the Chicago Bears. One target each and every day until the draft.
Up next is Colorado defensive back Chidobe Awuzie, who would be a fantastic selection for the Bears with their early second round pick. Awuzie is a playmaker in the secondary, showing incredible natural man-to-man skills.
Awuzie was an impressive off-man defender in college who showed impressive instincts. He does a fantastic job of recognizing routes and reading the quarterback’s eyes. When watching Awuzie, there are many times where he seems to know where the ball is going right at the snap.
Awuzie has fantastic awareness for a defensive back but his natural skillset is just as impressive. He shows fantastic overall athleticism and quickness in short spaces. Awuzie can defend quick slot receivers in the short passing game, but he also has the ability to go up and get the ball against bigger receivers.
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His long speed leaves plenty to be desired. Awuzie is certainly quicker than he is fast, but I think he has enough overall speed to compete at the next level. If the speed becomes an issue, Awuzie would seemingly make a smooth transition to the safety position.
Personally, I think Awuzie has the goods to be a strong man-to-man cornerback on the outside. However, it is nice that he has the safety position to fall back on if necessary. Awuzie’s field awareness and fantastic ball skills would play well as a coverage safety.
The Chicago Bears are not exactly loaded with talent in their secondary. The additions of Marcus Cooper, Prince Amukamara and Quintin Demps will certainly help, but the Bears need to add more talent at the position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft
Awuzie is an extremely interesting defensive back prospect who simply must be on the Bears’ radar. If he is available when they go on the clock with the 36th overall pick, the Bears could do much worse than taking Awuzie.