[UPDATE]: The Cowboys do view AOA as a safety.
The Cowboys picture a conversion to free safety for Owusu-Ansah, a 6-0, 207-pounder who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He started 33 of 43 college games, registering 10 interceptions in his final two years, including eight as a junior.
[END UPDATE]
In the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys picked Akwasi Owusu-Ansah from Indiana (PA). The Cowboys traded down from pick #119 with the Miami Dolphins and ended up drafting at pick #126. In addition, Dallas got a sixth round pick (#179).
The Cowboys were looking for another CB, but this kid could also double as a safety. With Alan Ball currently slated to work at FS, Dallas was down to three CB's they could truly count on. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah was a guy they liked and had been on the Cowboys radar in the run up to the draft. But, Owusu-Ansah could also potentially go to safety, or be a swing guy between the two spots.
Here's Todd Archer from March on Owusu-Ansah (via CBS Sports):
Historically, the Cowboys have always been able to find small-school gems. Cliff Harris went undrafted out of Ouchita. Rayfield Wright went to Fort Valley State. Larry Allen went to Sonoma State. Dexter Coakley was a find at Appalachian State. Last year, they took Jason Williams in the third round out of Western Illinois. There's a small-school guy to look at this year, too. His name is defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah out of Indiana (Pa.), a Division II school. He is scheduled to be among the visitor to Valley Ranch this week. He is listed among the cornerbacks in most draft guides but some wonder if he can play some safety. He's 6-0, 207 pounds and can run. But what intrigued me the most was his return ability. He returned three punts and two kicks for touchdowns for scores as a senior. The Cowboys are looking for some "wow" in the return game and maybe this guy has some of that. It's a big jump from the Division 2 level to the NFL, but Wade Phillips was around one of those guys recently in San Diego in Drayton Florence. A second-rounder in 2003 out if Tuskegee, Florence has been a decent player for his career.
Strengths: Owusu-Ansah has tremendous size for a corner and long arms which allow him to play even taller than his listed height. Has impressive ball skills, enhanced by his height/long arms, and can high point the football to come down with a tough interception. A strong defensive back who helps out in run support and wraps up well. Very athletic prospect with upside, Production player who received multiple accolades at the Division II level. Can contribute as a return specialist.
The knocks, played inferior competition, needs more refined technique.