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Philadelphia Eagles: Colorado prospect could be solid mid-round option

By Anthony Fabrikant

Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Colorado 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Colorado 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the upcoming NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles need to address the blaring hole they have at cornerback.

The Philadelphia Eagles cut Leodis McKelvin last week following an abysmal 2016 campaign. McKelvin hoped to find success in Philly with his old defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Although Schwartz found success with Brandon Graham, McKelvin’s production never came to fruition. As a result, the Eagles absolutely have to address their cornerbacks through the draft. Free agency is always an option for most teams. However, the precedent set by the Eagles with Byron Maxwell and Nnamdi Asomugha doesn’t instill confidence for free agency. Enter Chidobe Awuzie from the University of Colorado.

Awuzie is ranked as this draft’s 12th-best corner by CBS Sports. The former Buff is currently projected to go in the second or third round of the draft. What separates Awuzie from other prospects is his versatility. He can play in the slot or the outside. As opposed to McKelvin, Awuzie is a great athlete that can flip his hips with fluidity and run with receivers.

As the Eagles look to improve their cornerback play in 2017, Awuzie would be able to contribute immediately. Plus, the former Buff is capable of performing in both a man or zone scheme, allowing Schwartz to get creative with blitz schemes and coverage combinations. Awuzie started all four seasons at Colorado, and has the speed that Philly hasn’t seen in Jalen Mills or Nolan Carroll. In a division that boasts DeSean Jackson and Odell Beckham, Awuzie could be the upgrade the Eagles need.

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In 2015, Awuzie led Colorado with 12 tackles for loss and second on the team with 90 tackles. The corner was the first defensive back in school history to lead the team in tackles for loss since 1969. His ability to cover and make plays in the backfield could blossom in Schwartz’s scheme. Awuzie also forced two fumbles in 2015 and 2016 and recorded three interceptions between the two seasons. In 2016, the corner also recorded 65 tackles, six for a loss, and four sacks. He recorded four sacks in 2015 as well. This fluid athlete was All-PAC-12 second team defense in 2015 and 2016. Awuzie also recorded seven passes defended in 2015 and 11 in 2016. /

Next: Stage set for redemption?

Ultimately, the Eagles will likely have the opportunity to select the All-Conference corner from Colorado. The likelihood of the decision being made will be based upon what the Eagles do early in the draft. If the Eagles don’t select a corner in the first round, Awuzie then becomes a viable option later in the draft. There are other corners in the PAC-12 that have more buzz, but Awuzie’s numbers, history and ability suggest he would be a great value pick that can do things that neither McKelvin or Carroll can.

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