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Dallas Cowboys: 5 Potential first-time Pro Bowlers in 2019

By Randy Gurzi

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the Dallas Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20 at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the Dallas Cowboys beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20 at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 30: Chidobe Awuzie #24 of the Dallas Cowboys intercepts a pass intended for Sterling Shepard #87 of the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 30: Chidobe Awuzie #24 of the Dallas Cowboys intercepts a pass intended for Sterling Shepard #87 of the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

4. Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback

The 60th overall pick in 2017, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie became a full-time starter in his second season. He saw improvement in all of his numbers as he finished with 71 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and an interception. However, things weren’t always great for Awuzie who had his share of struggles during the season.

Awuzie was often targeted by opposing quarterbacks, especially as Byron Jones was really shining early on in the year. Success was had against him, but in fairness to Awuzie, it was rare to see him burnt. Usually, a completion against him had to be earned, but there’s definitely room for improvement.

One way he can do that is by getting better at turning his head at the right time. It wasn’t unusual to see him in position to make a play on the ball only to watch the defender catch the pass as Awuzie never turned to locate it.

That needs to be a primary focus for him entering his third season — and second working with Kris Richard. Should he be able to track the ball better, he’ll make more splash plays and hopefully, more interceptions.

Should that happen, there’s a chance he could get plenty of attention in 2019 and find himself on the list of Pro Bowl hopefuls.

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