NFL Draft 2017: Dallas Cowboys select Chidobe Awuzie 60th overall

With the 60th overall selection in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.

Following the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves a pass rusher. With the selection of Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton 28th overall, the Cowboys hope they’ve found themselves a war daddy. A premier pass rusher to help their ailing defense cause more disruption and get to opposing quarterbacks.

With Charlton’s selection, the Cowboys were expected to address the various voids in their defensive secondary after the free agency losses of starting safety Barry Church and cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. So who did the Cowboys actually pull the trigger on in the second round?

With the 60th overall selection in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select…

Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback, Colorado

Here’s what you need to know about the young prospect and the newest Dallas Cowboy:

Height: 5’11″
Weight: 202 lbs.
Combine 40 Speed/Vertical: 4.43/34 1/2
2016 Numbers: 64 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 15 pds, 1 int

Player Breakdown: Appears to possess an underwhelming size and frame, Awuzie is a fluid player with average to top-end speed. Has excellent football intelligence and competitiveness that fits the mold of a Rod Marinelli-type player. Potential day one starter at nickle. Plays like an underdog, with toughness and passion.

Cowboys Analysis: Awuzie fills a major need for the Cowboys. He’s projected to start for Dallas as a rookie. That means current corners Anthony Brown, Orlando Scandrick or Nolan Carroll will be forced to the bench in most packages. Scandrick could be on trading block as a result. Awuzie seems to be a solid player who will bring consistent effort, a solid tackler but not a ballhawk.

Dallas Cowboys Second Round Picks Since 2005:

2005 – #42  – Kevin Burnett, LB, Tennessee
2006  – #53 – Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
2008 – #61 – Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
2010 – #55 – Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
2011 – #40 – Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina
2013 – #47 – Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
2014 – #34 – Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State
2015 – #60 – Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
2016 – #34 – Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

Highlight video:

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history

So, what did you think of the Dallas Cowboys second round selection? Tell us in the comment section below. And keep checking The Landry Hat through out the draft for more news, updates and opinions about America’s Team!