NFL Mock Draft 2017: Eagles select cornerback in first round
By Ryan Quigley
Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
It’s no secret how desperate the Eagles are for a competent cornerback. Jalen Mills had a rollercoaster rookie campaign and Patrick Robinson isn’t a guaranteed upgrade. The Eagles love aggressive corners, which makes Awuzie the perfect option at No. 14.
As a four-year starter at Colorado, Awuzie became one of the top cover corners in all of college football. He has the versatility to line up on the outside and in the slot, which is partially why he’s been shooting up draft boards as of late. The Eagles had the worst secondary in the NFL last season and Awuzie would certainly help turn things around.
Here’s a scouting report on Awuzie, courtesy of NFL.com.
"STRENGTHS: Fluid, controlled steps with easy change of direction allows for extended mirroring from press. Decent jam to disrupt. Carries smooth backpedal downfield with excellent mirror-and-match footwork in man coverage. Digests route combinations from zone and makes wise choices. Athletic with suddenness in his movements. Springy feet allow for abrupt click and close to the throw. Opens and swivels hips for desired transition in all directions. Experienced outside and from slot. Able to maintain coverage on shifty slot receivers. Instinctive with feel for route development. Possesses short-area closing burst. Confident on an island. Finds receiver on deep balls and gets head turned around. Dangerous slot blitzer with seven sacks over final two seasons at Colorado. WEAKNESSES: Short strider. Appears to lack long, recovery speed if beaten over top. Feels smaller than his listed size. Can be handsy down the field with pulls and tugs that turn into flags as a pro. Managed just three interceptions in college. Run support is lacking. Could use more aggressiveness and commitment when stepping downhill to tackle. Passes on the big hit and allows tight ends and big receivers to power through tackle attempts."