Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie signed a three-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Awuzie spent the first four seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
#Bengals agree to terms on a three-year deal with former #Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie, source says. Cincy continuing to make moves on defense. They liked the former second-rounder's athleticism and consistency.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2021
Chidobe Awuzie, Cincinnati Bengals, Agree to Contract
A hamstring injury caused Awuzie to miss seven games in 2020, and a placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list forced him to sit out of an additional contest. Ultimately, the 6-foot cornerback appeared in eight games and tallied 38 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 2020.
In the season prior, Awuzie arguably had the best season of his young professional career. His PFF grade was a career-high 72.2 as he registered 79 tackles, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, and one interception. In addition, he also deflected a career-best 14 passes.
Before entering the league, Awuzie played for the Colorado Buffaloes in the Pac-12. In four seasons at Colorado, he saw action in 48 games. In total, he piled up 265 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. He was named to Second-Team All-Pac-12 in 2015 and 2016.
Likely his best college campaign came in his junior season where he logged collegiate-highs virtually across the board. He posted 85 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
At the combine, Awuzie ran a 4.43 40 yard dash and had a vertical leap of 34.5 inches. He also had a 132 inch broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 16 times.
His college play coupled with his performance at the combine was enough for the Cowboys to draft him with the 60th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Cowboys also selected fellow cornerback Jourdan Lewis that same draft one round later. Other cornerbacks from that class include Marshon Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey, and Tre’Davious White, a fairly strong class overall.
In his career, Awuzie has proven to be a sound boundary cornerback that will not be a liability in the secondary.
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