Getty
Dallas Cowboys secondary
The Dallas Cowboys addressed each evident defensive want by way of the NFL draft — apart from security. This, it seems, was by design.
New Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy defined the absence of emphasis on that exact place throughout his post-draft convention name. Whereas speaking up the secondary’s versatility, he let slip his plan to doubtlessly convert a cornerback to play reverse free security Xavier Woods.
“I’m very comfy with the pliability we've got all through our secondary gamers,” McCarthy mentioned, by way of The Athletic. “I’m not as caught up in conventional free security or robust security as some could also be. What I like about our numbers within the again finish is that we've got nice competitors and wonderful flexibility. We might have some gamers that may not solely play nook however can even slide over and play some security.”
Although he didn’t identify the would-be guinea pig, indicators rapidly pointed to fourth-year man Chidobe Awuzie, who was bumped to CB1 following the free-agent defection of Byron Jones.
And it was extra than simply smoke. The Dallas Morning Information’ Michael Gelhken, upon touching base with workforce sources, reported Wednesday the Cowboys are actually “severely exploring” transferring Awuzie to security.
“That's one in every of a number of place switches that might come on protection in 2020,” Gehlken wrote.
Observe the Heavy on Cowboys Fb web page for the most recent breaking information, rumors and content material!
Why Awuzie?
As a result of he vacillated between cornerback and security amid a profitable collegiate profession at Colorado, bouncing from the boundary to the slot to nickel and sub-packages. Place flexibility was one in every of his strongest belongings, a significant cause why he turned a second-round decide.
Whereas he possesses plus athleticism at 6-foot, 202 kilos, he has shorter arms (30 5/8-inch) and struggles to get better when beat excessive. Hip fluidity is a priority, forcing Awuzie to seize and subsequently draw penalty flags.
One prevailing thought was eventual work at security would profit Awuzie by preserving the play in entrance of him. Reacting as a substitute of pondering, maximizing to full capability his bodily instruments in run assist and go protection.
“Awuzie was the very best nook remaining on my board. He performed outdoors, however kicked inside. You may see him as a nickel blitzer. He can even play security due to his toughness,” then-NFL Community draft analyst and present Raiders common supervisor Mike Mayock mentioned of Awuzie in 2017.
No different nook on the Cowboys’ offseason roster, maybe apart from newly-signed Daryl Worley, is able to donning a second hat. Turning to Awuzie is a no brainer on paper. In practicality? We will see …
Ripple Impact
Awuzie switching to security probably creates a contest for the beginning job reverse Woods, which beforehand belonged to Jeff Heath. Dallas signed former Packers star Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to fill the void and likewise has reliable backup Darian Thompson and 2019 sixth-rounder Donovan Wilson ready within the wings.
At cornerback, in the meantime, the Cowboys would push ahead with Jourdan Lewis topping the depth chart. This could be a really perfect state of affairs for prized second-round rookie Trevon Diggs and presumably fifth-rounder Reggie Robinson, each of whom the membership is extraordinarily excessive on.
Behind them are free-agent signing Maurice Canady and fifth-year vet Anthony Brown, who re-signed with the membership this offseason, and deep reserve sorts C.J. Goodwin and Chris Westry.
READ NEXT: Jones Signifies Cowboys Will Signal Extra Veteran Free Brokers
Observe Zack Kelberman on Twitter: @KelbermanNFL
Post a Comment