Dallas Cowboys: 3 defensive players on the verge of breaking out

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 12: Chidobe Awuzie #24 of the Dallas Cowboys drops a possible interception against Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Chidobe Awuzie

Aged 24

Before Kris Richard came aboard, the Dallas Cowboys cluster bombed the cornerback position adding Anthony Brown (2016), and a year later Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie. Chido, having played both cornerback and safety in college, was a chess piece – able to man deep safety, outside zone cornerback, as well as inside corner.

Injuries limited his rookie contributions and Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown both surpassed him on the depth chart. But things drastically changed in 2017. Byron Jones moved to cornerback. Brown was given nickel responsibilities. Lewis was moved to the bench. And Chido was given the spot opposite Jones in the starting lineup.

In contrast to my previous analysis of Chidobe Awuzie where I explained why Chido is a poor fit as an outside CB in Dallas’ scheme, I think Chido has the opportunity to breakout in a big way here in 2019. I still think Chido’s ball skills lie in his ability to play zone and he gets exposed when he has to play with his back to the QB, but I think Dallas coaches see it as well and plan to account for it.