The Dallas Cowboys lost several veterans in the secondary during free agency, and they will be relying heavily on young, inexperienced players in the defensive backfield.
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The Cowboys addressed a need at defensive back in the second round when they selected Colorado cornerback Chidobe Awuzie with pick No. 60. Jim Leavitt, who was Awuzie's defensive coordinator at Colorado, thinks the Cowboys struck gold.
"He's got it all. He's mentally tough," Leavitt said according to DallasCowboys.com. "He's got great explosive speed, good hands, good eyes, very smart, knock your head off, can play the corner, can press, can play off, can play the safety, can play the nickel, very personal, will be great playing special teams.
"He's real. He's a football player, he's just a football player."
The Cowboys might play Awuzie at safety, and he has already claimed he can play corner, safety and the slot at an "elite level."
Awuzie will be expected to play early and often after the departures of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne during the offseason.
Awuzie made 265 total tackles, forced six fumbles, recovered three fumbles and intercepted three passes during his four seasons at Colorado.
His versatility should help the Cowboys tremendously, considering he can play every position in the defensive backfield. The Cowboys still might need a veteran presence to help in the secondary, but it's clear coaches think Awuzie can contribute immediately.
(h/t All 22)
