2017 NFL mock draft: Chiefs avoid QB until late rounds

Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado (2nd, No. 59 overall)

Awuzie might not be as familiar a name as others, but Miller is right to have him taken in the second round here. Colorado’s secondary was celebrated for good reason this year, and that’s largely on the strengths of Awuzie. He has great speed and athleticism to go with his solid size (6-0, 202), and he has experience playing press-man coverage at Colorado.

Awuzie had 65 total tackles last season, including 6 tackles for a loss. He only intercepted 3 total passes in his collegiate career, which raises some eyebrows, but he had 11 passes defended last year and sometimes it’s just about opportunity. The skill is there to contribute takeaways for sure.

What we say: 

This makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs and the second round would be a good place to address cornerback. Awuzie can play outside or in, which means Phillip Gaines, Steven Nelson and Awuzie would compete for the top spots with Marcus Peters slotted up top. Awuzie would also add an elite special teams performer.

Overall, he’d be a tremendous value for a team that employs so many defensive backs together, offering another top option for Bob Sutton who also has experience rushing the passer (9 career sacks). The Chiefs defense and special teams would instantly be better, and Awuzie has the potential to develop into a lockdown cornerback for the long-term.