OSU Profile: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/roster/jeffrey-okudah/
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jeff-okudah?id=32194f4b-5519-2813-7f59-b79efab52dd1
Draftwire: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/2020-nfl-draft-jeff-okudah-scouting-report/
Draft Tek: https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-Jeffrey-Okudah.asp
Walter football: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020jokudah.php
The Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/jeffrey-okudah/7yziF85gtZ
Meet the Prospect: Jeff Okudah: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-jeff-okudah
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 3: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-3-ohio-state-cb-jeffrey-okudah-204046902.html
Tony Pauline: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ohio-state-jeffrey-okudah-scouting-report-2020-nfl-draft/
Rankings:
Overall:
2020 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Josh Edwards Top 250 big board ends as it started, with Chase Young on top (2. Okudah): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-top-250-big-board-ends-as-it-started-with-chase-young-on-top/
FTW (2. Okudah: Okudah is in a class of his own. He’s the best corner prospect I’ve watched since Jalen Ramsey. In fact, that’s my comp for the Ohio State star. He’s got everything teams look for in a No. 1 corner: Size, speed, agility, instincts and the mentality all great corners have. On top of the coverage ability, Okudah isn’t afraid to make a tackle. Having a lockdown guy like this on the roster makes game-planning so much easier. NFL comparison: Jalen Ramsey): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-50-prospects
Top 103 Prospects For The 2020 NFL Draft (2. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State. Outstanding instincts and IQ in man coverage. Has the length and speed to check the boxes for any team. Incredible technique with his feet, nearly flawless. Quick change of direction, excellent ball skills. Should be an instant high-end starter and legit “island” corner right away. Only minor concerns about tackling and an older shoulder injury.): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3254/Top-103-Prospects-For-The-2020-NFL-Draft
Justin Rogers' Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft Big Board (3. Okudah: Talking to an AFC scout earlier this month, he told me he could make a case the Ohio State cornerback is the best prospect in this draft. Okudah is the perfect blend of size, athleticism, passion and production on the outside. He’d be a plug-and-play starter in Detroit’s man-heavy coverage.): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/20/justin-rogers-detroit-lions-2020-nfl-draft-big-board/5167613002/
Yahoo (3. Okudah): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-3-ohio-state-cb-jeffrey-okudah-204046902.html
SN Top 100 (3. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 205 pounds): Okudah has the build to handle receivers of all sizes. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills in coverage to develop into a shutdown type with his strengths showing up in press man. That makes him an elite ballhawk when teams actually try to throw in his direction.): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-big-board-top-players-rankings/1fl3kppyra1bv10c1ghe8bfylh
DJ's final prospect rankings: Who made top 150? (3. Okudah: Okudah has ideal size, length, twitch and competitiveness for the position. He is very comfortable and effective in both press and off coverage. He is patient in press and very fluid/smooth when he opens up. He does a nice job of staying on top versus vertical routes and he can locate the football down the field. He has the agility to mirror underneath. In off coverage, he explodes out of his plant and he is a dependable open-field tackler. This is a very clean player with a very high floor and ceiling.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110012/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-150-prospects-in-the-2020-nfl-draft-class
Walter football (3. Okudah: 04/08/20: The combine went badly for Okudah, who struggled in the field drills before going out following a hard landing that saw him hit his head on the turf. He could have used a strong pro day to help rehab his draft stock, but pro days have been canceled because of COVID-19. Okudah has enough good tape to make up for the lost pro day. Plus, Okudah has the reputation of being good off the field so that helps him to be viewed as a safer prospect. Okudah notched five tackles and two passes broken up in the playoff loss to Clemson, plus was beaten for a two-point conversion. Okudah had four tackles and a pass broken up in the Big Ten Championship. He made some superb plays in coverage, but also was beaten for a would-be touchdown and was fortunate that his safety broke up the pass in the end zone. Okudah collected four tackles from Wisconsin earlier in the season. Versus Michigan State, he had one tackle while providing blanket coverage. Okudah continued his domination of the competition against Nebraska, making two interceptions and two tackles. Okudah was phenomenal in pass coverage to run the route and prevent separation in 2019. On the year, he totaled 35 tackles, nine passes broken up and three interceptions. 08/27/19: Okudah saw some brief action as a freshman in 2017, recording 17 tackles and a breakup. He received more playing time as a sophomore and totaled 32 tackles with eight breakups. He has yet to record an interception, but Okudah has a great skill set. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder has the upside to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL due to having all the tools. Okudah has size, speed and athleticism to run the route and prevent separation.): https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftbigboard
Touchdown wire's top 50 players in the 2020 NFL draft class (3. Okudah): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/19/joe_burrow_chase_young_top_50_players_2020_draft/49/
2020 NFL Draft: Final PFF Top 250 Big Board (4. Okudah: Okudah really does have it all. The 'cons' on his scouting report were some of the most difficult to write of any prospect in the class. He not only has a high-floor, but everything you want for a high-ceiling.): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-final-pff-top-250-big-board
CBS (4. Jeff Okudah): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/
Joel Klatt’s Top 50 players in the 2020 NFL Draft (4. Okudah): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-draft-top-50-players-joe-burrow-chase-young-mock-tua-tagovailoa-032420
ESPN Jeff Legwold (4. Okudah: Some defensive backs coaches believe Florida's CJ Henderson is more of a ready-right-now prospect, but Okudah's potential is enormous. A driven, intelligent player with rare skills, he will get better quickly when he learns more about NFL receivers. Okudah had shoulder surgery early in his career at Ohio State, but is a walk-in starter with rare closing speed.): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2020/story/_/id/29017869/2020-nfl-draft-ranking-top-100-prospects
Norris: Top 150 NFL Draft Board (4. CB JEFF OKUDAH, OHIO STATE (Athletic Profile: Projected in 99th percentile): Where He Wins: I keep repeating it, but the most important aspect of on-field evaluations is recognizing what a player’s strengths are, take an educated guess on what they were asked to do and then determine if how they won at the college level can win at the NFL level. For Okudah, he seemed to play in a C1 or C3 system, which is widely used in the NFL. He’s athletic, is over 6-foot-1 and possesses arms longer than 32-inches - that’s prototypical. Uncommon fluidity at his size. Forecast: Per PFF, Okudah hasn’t allowed more than 50 yards receiving in any of the 27 games played over that stretch either. He fits your system, draft him. There’s an ongoing discussion in the NFL media bubble that pass coverage is more important than pass rush. It breaks conventional wisdom as decades of team building points in the opposite direction. But lately, we’ve seen teams veer away from that typical path - investing more resources in coverage than box defenders: The Patriots, the Ravens last season, the Dolphins this offseason. I say that to make this statement - Okudah is the type of prospect you draft to place him on an island. Ask him to lock down his responsibility, which allows you to then worry about the other 10 players on your defense.): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/norris-top-150-nfl-draft-board
WINKS' TOP 100 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS (4. Okudah: Once again, I’m not going to waste your time here. Okudah (6’1/205) allowed 5.2 yards per target as a 20-year-old at Ohio State locked down Tee Higgins in the College Football Playoff, and showed 96th percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism with 4.48 speed and a 41-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. Okudah could be a Pro Bowler as a rookie and an All-Pro within a few seasons. He’s an elite corner prospect.): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/winks-top-100-nfl-draft-prospects
Draft rankings: Chris Trapasso Top 250 Big Board (4. Okudah): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-final-top-250-big-board-with-21-receivers-in-the-top-100/
Draft Countdown (4. Okudah): http://draftcountdown.com/2020-nfl-draft-rankings/2020-top-overall-rankings/
Tony Pauline’s 2020 NFL Draft Rankings (4. Okudah): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-rankings-scouting-reports-tony-pauline/
ESPN (5. Okudah: Okudah is a big corner with smooth hips, quick feet and good playing speed. He played receiver in high school and flashes solid ball skills. He's an average tackler who takes too long to get off blocks, but he's tough and is willing in run support. -- Steve Muench): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds
Draft rankings: Ryan Wilson Top 250 (5. Okudah): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-two-receivers-crack-top-10-two-running-backs-in-top-25-and-entire-top-250/
THOR 500: NYSTROM'S BIG BOARD (5. Okudah): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/thor-500-nystroms-big-board-0
2020 NFL Draft Big Board: The Draft Wire 300 (5. Jeff Okudah): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/17/2020-nfl-draft-rankings-big-board-top-300/
Draft Tek (6. Okudah): https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Draft-Big-Board/Top-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2020-Page-1.asp
Rotoworld Analytics Rankings (6. CB Okudah): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/analytics-top-300-rankings-2020-nfl-draft?page=3
Hot 150: Gil Brandt's top-ranked prospects for 2020 NFL Draft (13. Okudah: Okudah is a three-year player and one-year starter who allowed just two touchdowns on 113 career targets. He looks much better on tape than he did in his combine workout. After 15 starts, I wonder how physical he is -- I don't think he's as good as 2018 first-round pick (and fellow Ohio State product) Denzel Ward.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109120/article/hot-150-gil-brandts-topranked-prospects-for-2020-nfl-draft
Position:
PFF (1. CB Okudah: Quite easily the most complete corner in this class. Okudah simply didn’t get beaten at Ohio State. The longest catch he allowed in his entire career went for only 38 yards; the longest he allowed all last season went for only 28. He didn’t allow more than half of his targets to be completed in any of his three seasons for the Buckeyes. The junior has the type of statistical profile you dream of at the position. Oh, and he also has the physical profile. At The Opening back in high school, Okudah ran a 4.49 40, had a 4.03 short shuttle, and a 41.6” vertical. Those are freakish numbers that were good enough to give him the highest SPARQ score of any defensive back prospect in the 2017 class. Hailing from a very translatable scheme in Ohio State, it’s difficult to find too many question marks about Okudah’s play on tape.): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks
PFF (1. CB Okudah: Quite easily the most complete corner in this class. Okudah simply didn’t get beaten at Ohio State. The longest catch he allowed in his entire career went for only 38 yards; the longest he allowed all last season went for only 28. He didn’t allow more than half of his targets to be completed in any of his three seasons for the Buckeyes. The junior has the type of statistical profile you dream of at the position. Oh, and he also has the physical profile. At The Opening back in high school, Okudah ran a 4.49 40, had a 4.03 short shuttle, and a 41.6” vertical. Those are freakish numbers that were good enough to give him the highest SPARQ score of any defensive back prospect in the 2017 class. Hailing from a very translatable scheme in Ohio State, it’s difficult to find too many question marks about Okudah’s play on tape.): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks
Thor's CB Rankings (1. Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State) | 6'1/205
okudah (SPARQ percentile: ~99, Adjusted SPARQ: 0.96, RAS: 9.56, Comp: Marshon Lattimore (Danny Kelly)): The No. 1 cornerback in the 2017 class and a five-star recruit, Okudah, a Texas native, chose Ohio State over essentially every major program in the nation. Urban Meyer’s haul that year also included Chase Young and JK Dobbins. Okudah’s mother, Marie, began a fight with lymphoma when Jeffrey was two-years old which lasted until the week after he enrolled early at Ohio State. When Okudah declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 1, he did so with a letter to his mother published in The Players’ Tribune. It began with the sentence, “I’m going to start by telling you something you already know: I miss you.” That letter, along with the anecdotes from coaches and former teammates, heck, the composure with which he answered that ridiculous question about his technique and (phantom) penalties at the NFL Combine – they speak to something we don’t talk about as much when we talk about Jeff Okudah, which is that he’s a mentally-strong self-starter who has turned his prolific athletic career into a sort of tribute to his late mother. Mentally, you’ll hear from any of his coaches, he’s elite. Physically, same, with an ideal build. And his athleticism ripples off the screen, with feet like the needle of a sowing machine, exceptionally fast, always under control. Okodah can match up against any receiver in any scheme and excel. Over the last two seasons, per PFF, he allowed completions on only 45-of-106 throws for an opposing QB rating of only 52.9, never once giving up over 50 yards receiving in a game. He’s very physical in press coverage. He closes in a flash. His hips effortlessly swivel out of the backpedal to turn to run with the receiver. He’s more than willing to help in the run game. Heck, he used to be a stud gunner, too. Okudah is the total package, and a top-five prospect overall.): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-cornerback-rankings
Walterfootball Position Rankings (1. CB Okudah: 4/22/20: In 2019, Okudah was phenomenal in pass coverage to run the route and prevent separation. He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. Importantly, his ball production was vastly improved over his 2018 season. He totaled 35 tackles with nine passes broken up and three interceptions in 2019. Okudah is a well-rounded prospect who does everything well. He is very good at preventing separation, as he can vertically stay with speed wideouts and run the routes with receivers. Okudah has the size and physicality to match up with big wideouts and the speed to defend the vertical threats. With his aggressive and physical style of play, Okudah sits on routes and really challenges receivers to run by him. Downfield, Okudah is a tough defender who uses his length to cover up wide receivers, has the speed to run with them, and possesses a burst for recoverability. He can jam receivers yet has the ability turn and run with them downfield. Over the past couple of seasons, Okudah did a very good job of slapping passes away, and as a junior in 2019, he showed improvement by producing some interceptions. Okudah is a good tackler and willing run defender who does not hesitate to close on a ball-carrier to make a hit in space. For the NFL, Okudah looks like a future No. 1 cornerback and Pro Bowler. He could be one of the top corners in the league during his career and capable of limiting elite No. 1 receivers. Okudah is worthy of being a high first-round pick, and this analyst thinks that Okudah is a better prospect entering the NFL than Jalen Ramsey (2016) and Denzel Ward (2018) were, and they were both top-five picks in their draft classes. 6/22/19: Okudah saw some brief action as a freshman, recording 17 tackles and a breakup before playing more as a sophomore. In 2018, he had 32 tackles with eight breakups. Okudah has yet to record an interception, but he has a skill set with upside to develop.): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020CB.php
CBS (1. CB Jeff Okudah): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/cornerbacks
ESPN (1. CB Okudah): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds
Tony Pauline’s 2020 NFL Draft Rankings (1. CB Okudah): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-rankings-scouting-reports-tony-pauline/
Draftwire CB Rankings (1. CB Okudah): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/2020-nfl-draft-rankings-cornerback-jeff-okudah-cj-henderson-kristian-fulton/
Draft Tek (1. CB Okudah): https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Draft-Position-Rankings/Top-College-CBs-2020-NFL-Draft.asp
Draft Countdown (1. CB Okudah): http://draftcountdown.com/2020-nfl-draft-rankings/2020-cornerback-rankings/
Rotoworld Analytics Position Rankings (1. CB Okudah: 96th percentile athlete with no sloppy film): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/analytics-top-300-rankings-2020-nfl-draft?page=2
Touchdown Wire's Position Rankings (1. CB Okudah): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/21/scouting-breakdown-the-11-best-defensive-backs-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Cornerbacks (BEST IN MAN: JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE - Honorable Mention: C.J. Henderson, Florida & Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
Okudah’s combination of physicality at the line of scrimmage and makeup-burst out of his cuts is second to none in the draft class. He’s so darn consistent snap-to-snap that it’s difficult to see him “busting” in the NFL.) (4-23-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-cornerbacks
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the bust potential for rumored top-10 picks (15. JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE: Okudah was on the field for all of 18 pass plays that weren’t man coverage or cover-3 last season. Those are the two most popular coverages in the NFL. Okudah had the longest broad jump (11-foot-3), highest vertical (41 inches) and biggest wingspan (78 ⅝-inches) of any corner at this year’s combine. All of that screams NFL-ready.) (4-23-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-ranking-the-bust-potential-for-rumored-top-10-picks
For Lions, it's Jeff Okudah vs. Derrick Brown in tonight's NFL draft (4-23-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/23/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-draft-jeff-okudah-derrick-brown/3004221001/
Five reasons the Detroit Lions will draft cornerback Jeff Okudah at third overall (4-23-20): https://lionslowdown.com/2020/04/23/five-reasons-the-detroit-lions-will-draft-cornerback-jeff-okudah-at-third-overall/
Jeff Okudah's experience at Ohio State shaped NFL Draft's best cornerback (4-22-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/ohio-state-jeff-okudah-2020-nfl-draft-ohio-state-cornerback-pipeline/1vlh07joajtu41x8qwij8hwwyp
2020 NFL draft: How I found myself mocking CB Jeff Okudah to Lions instead of Isaiah Simmons (4-22-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-how-i-found-myself-mocking-cb-jeff-okudah-to-lions-instead-of-isaiah-simmons.html
Projecting the Lions Top-10 draft board (2. Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU: Another unanimous choice from the Lions Wire team, Okudah has an incredibly high ceiling and floor, is the perfect fit for the Lions scheme, and would immediately fill one of two obvious starting spots on this roster (the other being right guard/tackle).) (4-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/22/projecting-the-lions-top-10-draft-board/
2020 Prospect Rankings: Cornerbacks (3. Okudah: 4/22/20: In 2019, Okudah was phenomenal in pass coverage to run the route and prevent separation. He has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. Importantly, his ball production was vastly improved over his 2018 season. He totaled 35 tackles with nine passes broken up and three interceptions in 2019. Okudah is a well-rounded prospect who does everything well. He is very good at preventing separation, as he can vertically stay with speed wideouts and run the routes with receivers. Okudah has the size and physicality to match up with big wideouts and the speed to defend the vertical threats. With his aggressive and physical style of play, Okudah sits on routes and really challenges receivers to run by him. Downfield, Okudah is a tough defender who uses his length to cover up wide receivers, has the speed to run with them, and possesses a burst for recoverability. He can jam receivers yet has the ability turn and run with them downfield. Over the past couple of seasons, Okudah did a very good job of slapping passes away, and as a junior in 2019, he showed improvement by producing some interceptions. Okudah is a good tackler and willing run defender who does not hesitate to close on a ball-carrier to make a hit in space. For the NFL, Okudah looks like a future No. 1 cornerback and Pro Bowler. He could be one of the top corners in the league during his career and capable of limiting elite No. 1 receivers. Okudah is worthy of being a high first-round pick, and this analyst thinks that Okudah is a better prospect entering the NFL than Jalen Ramsey (2016) and Denzel Ward (2018) were, and they were both top-five picks in their draft classes. 6/22/19: Okudah saw some brief action as a freshman, recording 17 tackles and a breakup before playing more as a sophomore. In 2018, he had 32 tackles with eight breakups. Okudah has yet to record an interception, but he has a skill set with upside to develop.) (4-22-20): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020CB.php
All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers: Sorting the 2020 draft class (Brooks has Okudah as the 5th all-pro) (4-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110369/article/2020-nfl-draft-allpros-pro-bowlers-and-red-stars-in-this-class
NFL comparisons for the top 50 prospects in the 2020 draft class (3. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State — Aqib Talib: Of all the cornerbacks in the 2020 draft class, Okudah has the best grouping of ideal traits for the position. He’s aggressive, patient when he needs to be, has the speed to track receivers all over the field, and the short-area agility to deal with quicker, smaller receivers. At the next level, he projects well as a press corner with lockdown abilities, much as Talib has been at his NFL peak.) (4-21-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/21/nfl-comparisons-for-the-top-50-prospects-in-the-2020-draft-class/
Scouting breakdown: The 11 best defensive backs in the 2020 NFL draft (4-21-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/21/scouting-breakdown-the-11-best-defensive-backs-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL draft: Why I mocked Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah to the Detroit Lions (4-21-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-why-i-mocked-ohio-state-cb-jeff-okudah-to-the-detroit-lions.html
Latest draft rumors: Buy or sell? (Okudah could fall outside the top 10: Sell - While there hasn't been any concrete report precisely stating this, there have been many subtle insinuations it could happen from NFL insiders. And while it's a rumor veiled in smoke right now, I just can't buy it. The Lions are sitting pretty at No. 3 overall and very much in need of a long, press-man corner. That's precisely what Okudah is. Heck, Matt Patricia got to stand on the sidelines and watch Darrelle Revis, Malcolm Butler, and Stephon Gilmore lock down one side of the field for the Patriots. He has to be into Okudah in a big way. But even if the Lions don't pick him at No. 3 -- or after a trade back -- there's the Panthers at No. 7 and the Jaguars at No. 9, two clubs who moved on from stud starters at the position this offseason -- James Bradberry and A.J. Bouye -- and would seemingly jump at the opportunity to pick him after a slight fall. And last year, we didn't have a corner off the board until No. 30 overall. I can't imagine that happening again. Okudah checks all the boxes.(4-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-rumors-buying-or-selling-the-latest-buzz-on-tua-tagovailoa-jeffrey-okudah-and-more/
Is Jordan worth the Love? Do NOT pass on Simmons! Draft's cleanest prospect? (2) Detroit CAN'T take Jeff Okudah over Isaiah Simmons or Derrick Brown - Isaiah Simmons is an absolute freak and will be a star in the NFL. Derrick Brown is a devastating force up front who could've been a first-rounder last year, but he returned to Auburn and got even better. Either player should, in theory, be a huge boon to Matt Patricia, who got his gig as Lions head coach due to his purported defensive chops. (Side note: Detroit just finished 26th in scoring defense and 31st in total D.) Draft Simmons and have fun deploying him all over the field as a roving nightmare. Plug Brown into a defensive front that significantly disappointed last season. I back both potential selections at No. 3 overall. But the pick I can't support is the pick EVERY mock drafter is making ... Detroit cannot take Jeff Okudah over Simmons and Brown. Originally, I thought No. 3 would be a sweet spot for a trade. And maybe it still will be. But the ambiguity around Tua Tagovailoa's health clouds the calculus for any QB-needy team looking to move up. So, more and more, I'm thinking Detroit will actually be making this pick. Throughout much of this draft process, Okudah has been advertised as the top cornerback in this draft class by a comfortable margin, but that's just not the case -- at least when you speak with many of the people who will actually be making the picks. A bevy of NFL executives I've polled have Okudah on the same level at corner as CJ Henderson, who hasn't been receiving any top-three buzz at all. Okudah at No. 5 after a trade-down? We can talk about it. But 3 is a reach. What happens if the Lions do take Okudah, though? How far will Simmons and Brown fall? Simmons is going to be a game-changer. If Detroit passes, the Giants should pounce at No. 4. Truthfully, though, Dave Gettleman will probably pick an offensive lineman. I think it will be Tristan Wirfs. The Chargers, picking at No. 6, would be a thrilling landing spot for Simmons. Can you imagine this Swiss Army Knife joining hyper-versatile 23-year-old Derwin James? Could this defense, with enticing talent at all levels, become the league's best? I can't see Simmons getting past the Panthers at No. 7 -- that feels like his absolute floor. And look, Brown is legit. Watch the game tape and stop fixating on the numbers he posted at the "Underwear Olympics." Three-cone? I'd rather talk about ice cream cones. Or David Cone. (One of my all-time favorite Yankees! But I digress.) I talked to Brown on SiriusXM Radio back in March. This guy lives for football. He'll be an amazing, high-impact pro. The Panthers (who, again, hold the No. 7 pick), Cardinals (No. 8) or Browns (No. 10) would be blessed to get him.) (4-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110256/article/2020-nfl-draft-dont-pass-on-isaiah-simmons-or-derrick-brown
Why Jeff Okudah is the rare cornerback worthy of top-five pick (4-21-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/21/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-draft-jeff-okudah/5169068002/
Lions 2020 NFL Draft: A cornerback for every round (1st round: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State - The presumptive pick at No. 3 is there for good reason. Okudah is the most polished, highest-ceiling cornerback in recent memory. Adept at man coverage, strong in press coverage, comfortable in zone, capable of making big plays in any scheme, that’s Okudah. He’s a rare talent for his position, a better and more physical all-around prospect than his Ohio State predecessor, Denzel Ward, who went No. 4 overall in 2018 and earned a Pro Bowl spot as a rookie.) (4-20-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/20/lions-2020-nfl-draft-a-cornerback-for-every-round/
2020 All-Juice team includes Jalen Hurts, J.K. Dobbins and Kenneth Murray (There were at least two times this season where I watched Okudah and wondered why teams were even bothering throwing at him. He is the latest in a long line of great Ohio State corners. He’s every bit the prospect Marshon Lattimore, another OSU All-Juice corner, was as he began his career as the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Okudah is very serious about football, which shows in his dedication to his technique, disciplined play (zero coverage penalties in 2019) and ability to stay disciplined when the ball is in the air. Combine that with his Grade A size/length (6-1, 205) and super-quick feet, and he has the makings of a future All-Pro. Love him. Grade: 7.4) (4-20-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-all-juice-team-includes-jalen-hurts-jk-dobbins-and-kenneth-murray-151125586.html
Better Fit: DE Chase Young or CB Jeff Okudah? (4-20-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/better-fit-for-detroit-lions-ohio-state-chase-young-or-jeff-okudah
2020 NFL Draft Week - Monday Rumors (There has been some talk lately of Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah having the possibility to slide from the top half to the bottom half of the top 10. That definitely is possible because the Detroit Lions are the only landing spot for Okudah to potentially go as a top-five pick. If the Lions pass on him or trade down, Okudah will go a little later than expected. A rough combine performance dinged Okudah's draft stock, plus he showed some stiffness that did not sit well with teams. Still, they all like his tape, so the combine was not a huge negative. Some defensive back coaches and teams like Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson more, feeling he is a more fluid athlete with a rare combination of size and speed to run the route and prevent separation. Henderson's personality, however, is not helping him, as he is known to be very quiet and not an engaging teammate. Thus, one would think that Okudah would have an edge in the makeup consideration, but team sources say there is not a big difference in that regard. Some teams have some minor maturity concerns with Okudah as well. But just to be clear, sources said they are very minor. Okudah is a lock for the top 10, but the odds of him going in the top five are not as strong as the consensus thought was a few weeks ago.) (4-20-20): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2020-NFL-Draft-Week---Monday-Rumors
2020 NFL Draft Primer for the Lions (Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Cornerbacks and coverage ability are of utmost importance in the Lions' man-press scheme. Okudah checks all the boxes for what the Lions look for in a corner. Elite length, hip fluidity and quickness make Okudah one of the safest picks in the draft -- if there is such a thing.) (4-20-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-draft-primer-for-the-detroit-lions
TWENTYMAN: 5 prospects who make sense for Lions at 3 (2. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State, 6-1, 205: A really clean prospect, Okudah is the best cornerback available in the draft. There's a drop off to the second wave of players at the position. He's a man-cover corner who allowed a career passer rating of 55.7 over his three seasons at Ohio State and a completion percentage of just 43.2 when opposing passers threw his way. He's got terrific size and speed, and fits how Detroit likes to play the cornerback position within their defense. Like Young, he could fit best player available at a position of need, especially if Young is off the board in the top two picks.) (4-20-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-prospects-who-make-sense-for-lions-at-3-young-okudah-simmons
Jeff Okudah the odds-on favorite to be the No. 3 pick (4-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/19/jeff-okudah-2020-nfl-draft-odds-no-3-pick-lions/
The Top 5: Jeff Okudah headlines list of favorites for Detroit Lions in first round of NFL draft (4-19-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/the-top-5-jeff-okudah-headlines-list-of-favorites-for-detroit-lions-in-first-round-of-nfl-draft.html
One of these 5 players will be Detroit Lions' first-round pick (CB Jeff Okudah - Scouting report: No cornerback has gone in the top three since Shawn Springs in 1997, and just three — Denzel Ward (No. 4 in 2018), Jalen Ramsey (No. 5 in 2016) and Patrick Peterson (No. 5 in 2011) — have gone in the top five in the past 17 drafts. Okudah is a rare breed of defensive back, long and physical, willing to help in run support and adept in press-man coverage. He only started one season at Ohio State, only had three career interceptions in his college career and didn’t turn in the kind of workout many hoped at the NFL combine (with a 4.48-second 40). Still, there’s no better cornerback in the draft. He said it: “This kid can find and play the football. He’s got really good awareness. And again, I think the other trait with top cornerbacks when you study them around the league at the NFL level is there’s kind of a dog to them, there’s a competitiveness to them, there’s a toughness to them, an edge. And I think this kid plays with that type of toughness and competitiveness on the field. He’s fun to watch.” — NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah.) (4-18-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-draft/5150774002/
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's High-Floor/Low-Ceiling Team (CB – JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE: This is yet another one where Okudah is simply too good at football right now and has too many physical tools that “busting” would be him going to a scheme that doesn’t fit his skillset. He’s a press corner and one that could be above average in the NFL tomorrow.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-high-floor-low-ceiling-team
2020 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for every top defensive back prospect (CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE (PFF Draft Board rank: 4): Biggest Pro: Lockdown in press. At 6-foot-1 with over 32-inch arms and cracking the 96th percentile in the 10-yard split, vertical jump and broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine, Okudah is the Michelangelo’s David of cornerbacks. He can play in any scheme you ask of him, but he truly excels in press. Okudah allowed under half a yard per coverage snap in press coverage in 2019 and didn’t allow a single explosive play. That yards per coverage snap mark is a quarter of a yard better than anyone in the draft class, and no one other than Okudah allowed one or fewer explosive plays in press. Biggest Con: If anything, good not elite ball skills. If we absolutely had to pick a con on Okudah as a prospect, we’d go with the fact his ball skills are just “good” and aren’t on the same elite level as a couple of others in the class. This was an area Okudah improved upon throughout his collegiate career, though, and it was evident this past season with three impressive interceptions and nine pass breakups. Again, this is being really nitpicky — he’s up there with Jalen Ramsey and Marshon Lattimore for the best cornerback prospects we have ever seen.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-con-every-top-defensive-back-prospect
Perfect Fit for Lions at Every Position in 2020 NFL Draft (Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: Okudah, the Ohio State prospect favored to go to the Lions at No. 3 overall, has the size, strength and speed to be an All-Pro-caliber defensive back in the NFL. With the Lions trading Darius Slay to the Eagles, the No. 1 corner position is up for grabs, and it's a spot that Okudah could fill in due time. In 2019, Okudah helped guide the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance.) (4-17-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/perfect-fit-for-detroit-lions-for-every-position-in-2020-nfl-draft
Okudah safest, Simmons highest upside of potential Lions picks (4-16-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/16/jeff-okudah-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-rumors/5145892002/
Jeff Okudah: 5 things to know about the 2020 NFL Draft prospect: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jeff-okudah-5-things-to-know-2020-nfl-draft-prospect.amp
Building The Perfect 2020 Cornerback Prospect (Footwork / Technique: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: In every sense, Jeff Okudah is a smooth operator. Hips, feet, eyes -- all of Okudah's traits and skills blend together perfectly and allow him to flow smoothly through any coverage. Being that Ohio State operated heavily out of press Cover 1 shells, Okudah also has a ton of experience in press coverage and has subsequently become very comfortable executing press techniques. No matter the coverage or assignment, Okudah has the feet and technique to give himself a foundation to play on and the athletic tools to capitalize. In this clip, Okudah is playing a deep-third in a zone-match coverage that effectively turns into man coverage because of the route distribution. As the wide receiver gets vertical, Okudah stays locked into his inside hip to cut off any inside breaks while keeping his outside arm ever so lightly in contact with the receiver so as to feel out an outside route break. Okudah sinks and flips his hips the instant the wide receiver turns, which saves him just enough time to drive back toward the ball for the pass break up. Okudah's ability to take away the middle of the field through his leverage while keeping himself ready to flip his hips at a moment's notice to play the outside is a tough ask for any cornerback. In many cases, cornerbacks will play from the outside-in because it is easier to take away the sideline via leverage and break inside, but Okudah made the inverse work because of his clean technique and stunning downhill burst. Man Coverage: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State - To me, the “perfect” cornerback is just whoever takes the crown in this category alone. Man coverage is king, especially in the NFL. If defensive minds such as Bill Belichick, Wade Phillips, and Dennis Allen could just run Cover 1 variants all game, they would — heck, Belichick darn near has over the past couple seasons with Stephon Gilmore as his No.1. Getting three capable man coverage cornerbacks and a smart free safety, however, is difficult in a sport with a hard cap and a draft system. Jeff Okudah takes the cake for man coverage in this year’s class. In fact, Okudah is the best pure man coverage cornerback prospect since fellow Ohio State alumni Marshon Lattimore in 2017. Executing man coverage at a high level requires high-end hip mobility, sharp footwork, and a keen understanding of how to use one’s arms to disrupt opposing receivers throughout their route stems. All three traits / skills have to blend together just right to make for an elite man coverage defender who can keep up with any type of wide receiver.) (4-16-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-cornerback-prospect
3 Reasons Why Jeff Okudah Will Be Better than Darius Slay in 2020 (4-16-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/3-reasons-why-jeff-okudah-will-be-better-than-former-detroit-lions-cornerback-darius-slay-in-2020
Thor's Cornerback Rankings (1. Okudah: (Comp: Marshon Lattimore (Danny Kelly)): The No. 1 cornerback in the 2017 class and a five-star recruit, Okudah, a Texas native, chose Ohio State over essentially every major program in the nation. Urban Meyer’s haul that year also included Chase Young and JK Dobbins. Okudah’s mother, Marie, began a fight with lymphoma when Jeffrey was two-years old which lasted until the week after he enrolled early at Ohio State. When Okudah declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 1, he did so with a letter to his mother published in The Players’ Tribune. It began with the sentence, “I’m going to start by telling you something you already know: I miss you.” That letter, along with the anecdotes from coaches and former teammates, heck, the composure with which he answered that ridiculous question about his technique and (phantom) penalties at the NFL Combine – they speak to something we don’t talk about as much when we talk about Jeff Okudah, which is that he’s a mentally-strong self-starter who has turned his prolific athletic career into a sort of tribute to his late mother. Mentally, you’ll hear from any of his coaches, he’s elite. Physically, same, with an ideal build. And his athleticism ripples off the screen, with feet like the needle of a sowing machine, exceptionally fast, always under control. Okodah can match up against any receiver in any scheme and excel. Over the last two seasons, per PFF, he allowed completions on only 45-of-106 throws for an opposing QB rating of only 52.9, never once giving up over 50 yards receiving in a game. He’s very physical in press coverage. He closes in a flash. His hips effortlessly swivel out of the backpedal to turn to run with the receiver. He’s more than willing to help in the run game. Heck, he used to be a stud gunner, too. Okudah is the total package, and a top-five prospect overall.) (4-15-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-cornerback-rankings
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's All Trump Card Team (CB – OHIO STATE – JEFFREY OKUDAH (PRESS): Okudah checked in at the combine a rocked up 6-foot-1, 205 pounds and measured with the longest wingspan of any defensive back in attendance. That’s a physical profile created in a lab to play press-man coverage in the NFL. In 504 career press snaps, he allowed only 24-of-74 targets (36.5%) for 402 yards while forcing 16 incompletions.) (4-15-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-all-trump-card-team
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Cornerbacks (1. JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE - Draft Board Rank: 4th. Quite easily the most complete corner in this class. Okudah simply didn’t get beaten at Ohio State. The longest catch he allowed in his entire career went for only 38 yards; the longest he allowed all last season went for only 28. He didn’t allow more than half of his targets to be completed in any of his three seasons for the Buckeyes. The junior has the type of statistical profile you dream of at the position. Oh, and he also has the physical profile. At The Opening back in high school, Okudah ran a 4.49 40, had a 4.03 short shuttle, and a 41.6” vertical. Those are freakish numbers that were good enough to give him the highest SPARQ score of any defensive back prospect in the 2017 class. Hailing from a very translatable scheme in Ohio State, it’s difficult to find too many question marks about Okudah’s play on tape.) (4-12-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 cornerbacks that could interest Lions (1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State. 6-1, 205. 4.48 Combine 40. Stats: 3 years, 41 games. Big 2019 season – all three career interceptions and nine of 17 pass breakups. Breakdown: Clear No. 1 cornerback prospect. While 4.48 40 time wasn't scintillating, it was more than good enough – especially with a 41-inch vertical jump and athleticism in other drills. Where he could fit Lions: If the Lions draft a cornerback first, he's an opening-day starter with talent who studies his position.) (4-10-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-cornerbacks-that-could-interest-lions-okudah
Best-case scenarios for all 32 NFL teams at the 2020 NFL Draft (DETROIT LIONS – MIAMI OFFERS A HUGE TRADE PACKAGE THAT MOVES DETROIT DOWN TO PICK FIVE, AND THEY STILL GET JEFF OKUDAH: Jeff Okudah is almost certainly going to be a Detroit Lion, and the fit could not be more perfect. We all know Matt Patricia has followed in Bill Belichick’s footsteps with his man-heavy defensive scheme in Detroit, and Okudah has been an elite press-man corner for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2019, Okudah played 184 coverage snaps in press coverage and didn’t allow a single explosive play. In fact, he was targeted 29 times and his longest reception allowed was just 12 yards, en route to surrendering just 3.1 yards per target in press coverage, which is over three and a half yards fewer than the FBS average. Miami trading up and throwing another early draft pick Detroit’s way to secure Tua Tagovailoa would just be the cherry on top.) (4-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-best-case-scenarios-for-all-32-nfl-teams-at-the-2020-nfl-draft
Bucky Brooks Top 5 Position (CBs - 1. Okudah: Okudah is an explosive athlete with a blue-collar game that makes him a worthy of consideration as a potential top-five pick. The Ohio State product has drawn comparisons to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, but Okudah has more speed and athleticism.): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108717/article/bucky-brooks-top-5-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-30
7 Cornerback Prospects That Fit the Lions' Defensive Scheme (Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State (40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds): Okudah is currently the consensus pick for the Lions in the first round. Ideally, it would be in a trade-back scenario. However, even as a corner, Okudah's film is good enough to warrant the No. 3 overall selection. Yes, cornerbacks aren't typically taken in the top three. But, in the last 20 years, seven corners have been selected in picks four through six. Taking a cornerback at No. 3 that is the best player available isn't much of a reach. Okudah might not have blazing speed, but his super long arms give him elite length to go along with some of the best feet/hip fluidity to come out of the draft in years.) (4-8-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/7-cornerback-prospects-that-fit-the-detroit-lions-defensive-scheme
Perfect prospect-team pairings for the 2020 NFL Draft (CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE: DETROIT LIONS (PICK NO. 3, POTENTIALLY NOS. 5 OR 6): Last season, the Lions' 615 snaps in some sort of man coverage were the most of any franchise in the NFL. Okudah in man coverage for his career has allowed only 25 catches on 62 targets for 325 yards and 14 first downs with 13 forced incompletions The most man-heavy team with the top man corner seems like a match made in heaven.) (4-7-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-perfect-prospect-team-pairings-for-2020-nfl-draft
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (1. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: If there’s one thing NFL teams need more than anything else on defense right now, it’s the prototypical lockdown cornerback who can take an opponent’s No. 1 receiver through any route in any coverage. Of the cornerbacks in this draft class, Okudah is the one who raises no questions regarding his ability to do so. After playing 70% of his snaps in man coverage in 2018, per Sports Info Solutions, Okudah dipped down to 54% man coverage last season, upped his zone percentage and still allowed just 21 catches on 54 targets for 280 yards, three interceptions, one touchdown, and an opponent passer rating of 46.8. There may be more physically talented players in this class, but outside of the top quarterbacks, none are more positionally important.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
PFF Shocks Lions Fans With Latest Mock Draft (4-1-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pff-mock-draft-shocks-detroit-lions-fans
Why Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah makes sense for the Lions at No. 3 in the NFL draft (3-24-20): https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36382/why-ohio-state-corner-jeff-okudah-makes-sense-for-the-lions-at-no-3-in-the-nfl-draft
Here's why I'm sticking with Jeff Okudah to Lions after free agency (3-22-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/22/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-jeff-okudah/2890871001/
How Would Lions Utlilize CB Jeff Okudah? (3-9-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/how-would-detroit-lions-utlilize-cb-jeff-okudah-in-defense
Gruden asks Okudah odd combine question (3-6-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-jeff-okudah-shares-an-interesting-moment-from-his-combine-meeting-with-raiders-jon-gruden/
Prospect fits for all 32 teams coming out of the 2020 NFL Combine (DETROIT LIONS: CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE - There haven’t been many more complete cornerback prospects coming out of college in recent seasons than Okudah. In the PFF College era dating back to 2014, Okudah is up there with the likes of Jalen Ramsey coming out of Florida State. Athleticism, length, technique, multiple seasons of high-level production in college — no matter what you’re looking for, Okudah has it. Over the last two seasons, he has allowed just 42% of the passes into his coverage to be completed. You’re going to be hard-pressed to find a better cornerback prospect than that. The Lions will have options at No. 3. Depending on what happens at No. 2 with Tua Tagovailoa, they could have their pick of the top defensive prospects on the board. While many would push for Chase Young in that scenario, a prospect like Okudah at one of the most valuable positions on defense is hard to pass up, especially with Darius Slay trade winds swirling. Okudah has all the tools to excel in man coverage, and the Lions have some of the heaviest man usage in the NFL. Even if Slay doesn’t get traded, they could still use Okudah at the other outside position, with Rashaan Melvin hitting free agency after a 2019 season in which he earned just a 54.3 coverage grade outside.) (3-5-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-prospect-fits-for-all-32-teams-coming-out-of-the-2020-nfl-combine
5 Lions-related takeaways from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Jeff Okudah is the most likely Lions first-round pick: The Ohio State cornerback put on quite a show with his agility work and interviews with both the teams and the media. His size, fluidity, speed and attitude are exactly what the Lions want at the position, and his game tape is even more impressive than the workout. Regardless of the fate of Darius Slay, Okudah would make a great pick at No. 3 and an even more outstanding one at No. 5 or No. 6 after a hypothetical trade back. Based on conversations I had with all sorts of people in all sorts of capacities, both with the Lions and elsewhere, my belief is that Okudah is the most likely choice by GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia. I’m not reporting that Okudah will be the pick, it’s my own opinion. And it’s no lock) (3-4-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/04/5-lions-related-takeaways-from-the-2020-nfl-scouting-combine/
2020 NFL Draft Board: PFF's Post-Combine Risers/Fallers (TICKED THE BOXES - CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: The 4.48s 40-yard dash wasn’t quite jaw-dropping, but it ticked the box. His 41-inch vertical and 11-3″ broad jump were both tops among all corners in attendance, though. With ideal height (6-foot-1) and length (32 ⅝” arms), Okudah cemented a top-10 spot in the draft.) (3-4-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-board-pffs-post-combine-risers-fallers
What you need to know about the top 10 cornerbacks on PFF's 2020 NFL Draft Big Board (1. JEFFEREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE: When I asked Jefferey Okudah about what he hoped to accomplish during his workouts, he stated that he wasn’t resting on his past performances. Rather, he wanted to go out and prove that he is the best cornerback in this year’s draft. Okudah demonstrated his willingness to compete by clocking an impressive 4.48-second 40-yard dash. His 41-inch vertical and his 11-foot-3 broad jump were better than any of the cornerbacks ranked among the top 10 on PFF’s board, and this is all after he landed and hit his head while catching the ball in previous drills. Not only has he checked all the boxes on the field, but he is equally impressive as a competitor who is determined to earn what he gets with no tricks, cheats or asterisks next to his name. This is only supported further by the fact that out of the 54 qualifying draft-eligible corners in this year's class, he was one of only seven who played 400-plus coverage snaps but had zero pass interference or holding penalties.) (3-4-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-need-to-know-about-the-top-10-cornerbacks-pff-2020-nfl-draft-big-board
2020 NFL Combine winners: Cornerbacks (Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State
6-1, 205, 40 y/d: 4.48, vertical: 41″, broad: 11’3″: In a recent article, I broke down how Okudah’s performance in every Combine drill added to his already sterling resume that he built over his senior season. In a nutshell, my conclusion was that he is firmly in the mix for the Lions and would be worth the No. 3 overall pick.) (3-3-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/03/2020-nfl-combine-winners-cornerbacks/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine (Down - Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: The combine was a rough for Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, who took a fall in the drills that ended his day early. Okudah's head hit the turf hard, leaving him unable to finish the workout. "He looked awful," said one source before adding in that tightness and stiffness could be seen. Okudah could slide lower in the top 10 if he doesn't have a bounceback performance at his pro day.) (3-3-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_25.php
2020 NFL Combine analytical winners/losers: defense (Jeff Okudah solidified his position as the top cornerback in the class with the highest WAR Score in the class. C.J. Henderson and A.J. Terrell posted better draft scores based on superior speed. But Okudah’s 98th and 96th percentile broad and vertical jumps put him in a different class for player value.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-combine-analytical-winners-losers-defense
Jordan Love's comp; Okudah's inspiration; Mayfield on CeeDee and more (Let's begin this broad recap of last week's happenings with an extraordinary player who seems to represent the best of the combine -- for a few different reasons: Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah. During a drill Sunday, Okudah -- the consensus best cornerback in this draft -- fell awkwardly and had some head and neck soreness. He didn't participate in further on-field work. But he did complete the vertical and broad jumps. My question to him: Why? "I think I said earlier in the week that I came here to compete," he told me on the field. "The guys were asking me if I was done. I told them, 'I'm not going out like that.' "In January, when Okudah announced his decision to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the draft, he did so in a letter to his late mother, published in The Players' Tribune. Marie Okudah passed away in 2017 after a long battle with lymphoma. "Dear Mom," her son's letter begins, "I'm going to start by telling you something you already know: I miss you. Now I'm going to tell you something nobody's known until right at this moment: I'm officially declaring for the NFL draft." You cannot read that letter and not weep. After he completed his on-field work, I asked Jeff about his mother. "I think of her every day, whether it's something little or big," he said. "I try to make sure everything I do honors her." He showed me the bracelet he always wears: "RIP Mom," it reads. "Revelations 21:4." A light note: Okudah is so good that during his combine meeting with the Raiders, coach Jon Gruden asked him, "Hey, man -- are you from planet Earth?" "For him to say that, I [said to myself], 'You're here, man.' " "Just being here is a dream come true," he added. "I watch Jalen Ramsey's combine video, I watched Patrick Peterson's combine video. I want somebody down the road to say, 'Let's turn on Jeff Okudah's combine video.' " If they do, they'll see abbreviated drill work, out of precaution. They'll also see a terrific player who finished the job with the jumps, and a player who continues to strive to make his mother proud.)(3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104990/article/jordan-loves-comp-okudahs-inspiration-mayfield-on-ceedee
Examining Jeffrey Okudah's Combine and identifying the numbers that matter to the Lions (3-2-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/02/examining-jeffrey-okudahs-combine-and-identifying-the-numbers-that-matter-to-the-lions/
Stock report from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Up - Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: Okudah was briefly sidelined after banging his head during defensive back drills, but returned and accomplished what he set out to do, posting good overall numbers with a 4.48-second 40 and massive 41-inch vertical. He also measured in with the biggest wingspan among defensive backs.) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/02/stock-report-2020-nfl-scouting-combine/4927380002/
3 Takeaways from 2020 NFL Combine (Draft experts believe Detroit will select CB Jeff Okudah: Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press questioned scouts, general managers, assistant coaches, coordinators and agents he felt had an idea who Detroit could select with their first-round selection. The majority of draft experts indicated Detroit will select the highly-touted cornerback out of Ohio State, Jeff Okudah. Okudah is the top cornerback in the draft and would be a suitable replacement if Darius Slay is traded prior to the start of the 2020 season.) (3-2-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/three-takeaways-from-2020-nfl-combine-for-detroit-lions
2020 NFL Scouting Combine Team Thoughts on Workouts (The combine was a rough day for Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with a fall in the drills that ending his day early. Okudah's head hit the turf hard, and he was unable to finish the workout. "He looked awful," said one source before adding in that tightness and stiffness could be seen. Okudah could slide lower in the top 10 if he doesn't have a bounceback performance at his pro day.) (3-2-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020blog.php
Speed proves all the rage in NFL Scouting Combine week (Jeff Okudah, widely considered the best cornerback in April’s draft and possibly the Lions’ pick at No. 3, didn’t have the kind of day he expected. The former Ohio State player did only 11 reps on the bench press and posted a 4.48 in the 40 before hitting the Lucas Oil Stadium turf while trying to make a spinning catch during one drill. He complained of head and neck soreness, sat out some of the workout, before returning to deliver the best broad jump of the day at 11 feet, 3 inches and a 41-inch vertical jump. “It’s kind of like there’s risk-reward for everything,” he said before working out. “For me, it’s no different than going out against Tee Higgins all game. It’s always going to be risk-reward. You chose if you’re going to get the reward or if you’re going to get the risk.”) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/03/01/speed-proves-all-rage-nfl-scouting-combine-week/4926939002/
NFL COMBINE SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS (Jeffrey Okudah suffers head injury in drills, still excels in testing: The pre-combine number one rated corner set out to solidify his elite status and he lived up to the task by putting on a show in testing even after he was pulled from drills because of a head/neck injury sustained when making a leaping grab on the deep ball drill. Though he didn't finish the live action agility portion of the festivities, Okudah still managed to record the top vertical jump among corners with a 41 inch mark even after sustaining the injury. As if that weren't impressive enough, he also went on to lock down the top cornerback broad jump with a 135 inch showing. Okudah stressed that he was held out of the remainder of drills merely as a precaution and it's hard to argue with him after thoroughly dominating the field in the events conducted after being shaken up.) (3-2-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-sunday-highlights
32 things we learned from NFL scouting combine (14. Politeness points to Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah, who seems likely to be a top-five pick and might be the best defender in this draft aside from his teammate, Buckeyes DE Chase Young. Asked by a reporter about what he needed to do to address alleged "sloppy" play, Okudah evenly responded: "I had zero pass interferences, zero holdings, so cut the tape again. I think you might see something else.") (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-draft-combine-32-things-we-learned/4883247002/
NFL Combine winners and losers: Jeff Okudah finishes strong on final day (Winners - Winner: Jeff Okudah - Okudah could have quit his workout after an awkward fall during field drills, but he finished the day. Okudah ran a 4.48 in the 40, posted a 41 in the vertical jump and snapped back at reporters who questioned his game tape. He’s among the best defensive players in the draft and is poised to be the next Pro Bowl cornerback from Ohio State in the NFL.) (3-1-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2020-winners-losers/pgwsi7z45ewe1r3go97x5ies1
Combine drills: Okudah, Henderson dazzle (Winners - Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State. Okudah is built like a prototypical cornerback. Hitting his head and neck area on the ground during a drill could not put a damper on his day. His vertical and broad jumps were fantastic. Over the past five years, the average 40-yard dash time for an All-Pro NFL cornerback is 4.46 seconds; Okudah's 4.48 was not far off.) (3-1-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-jeff-okudah-c-j-henderson-stand-out-among-cornerback-winners-and-losers/
DJ's takeaways from Day 4 of NFL combine drills (Jeff Okudah, Ohio State (No. 5 to Detroit): Jeremiah's top-rated cornerback and No. 4 overall prospect. "He has everything in terms of the size, the fluidity. You see the length and the ball skills. I went back in my Stephon Gilmore report when he was coming out of South Carolina and they read every similar, which is a heck of a compliment to Jeff Okudah coming out of Ohio State.") (3-1-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103989/article/daniel-jeremiahs-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-takeaways
DB drills: Okudah injury scare, times and more (Okudah's bounce back after setback: After running times of 4.48 and 4.50 in the 40, Okudah took part in several on-field drills before suffering his injury scare trying to make a catch. After trying to continue on-field drills, Okudah ultimately decided against it. Okudah did come back to post a position-best 41 inch vertical jump along with an 11 foot, 3 inch broad jump. And while his on-field work was cut short, Okudah did display his impressive footwork that has helped him become the most desired cornerback in this year's class. Okudah, tabbed by CBS Sports as the fourth best prospect in this year's draft, will look to further show what he can do during Ohio State's pro day on March 25.) (3-1-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-jeff-okudah-rebounds-from-injury-scare-plus-times-and-more-for-defensive-backs/live/
Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah pulls out of combine drills after suffering neck injury (3-1-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/ohio-state-cb-jeff-okudah-pulls-out-of-combine-drills-after-suffering-injury.html
Stay at No. 3 or Trade Back: What Should the Lions Do? (2. Building up and reshaping the identity of the defense by drafting former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah. He would form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Darius Slay on the outside in Lions' secondary -- if the organization chooses to hang on to Slay this offseason. And if it decides to move on from Slay, Okudah -- with his superb man-coverage skills -- would become the new leader of Detroit's defensive backs, and still would help upgrade a passing defense that allowed a league-high 284.4 yards per contest a season ago.) (3-1-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/stay-at-no-3-or-trade-back-what-should-the-lions-do
At NFL combine, I learned why Lions should take Jeff Okudah in 2020 draft (3-1-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/01/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-mock-draft-jeff-okudah-tua-tagovailoa/4913004002/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: What to watch for in DB drills (JEFF OKUDAH COULD LOCK HIMSELF INTO THE TOP 3: Not only is Jeff Okudah the best cornerback in this draft class, but he is also a top-five pick according to PFF — and tonight he has every opportunity to lock himself up as a top-three pick. Only one Power-5 cornerback played in at least 15 games and allowed 50 or fewer yards in every single game since 2018, and that cornerback is Okudah (he played in 27 games). He has some of the best man-to-man skills we have seen. Over the last two seasons, Okudah has allowed just 24 catches on 68 targets in single coverage, all while forcing 18 incompletions and intercepting two passes. He's a shutdown corner and the runaway top corner in this class. He could have opted not to participate in drills, but he's going after that top-three spot, and he can easily secure it with a good performance.) (3-1-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-what-to-watch-for-in-db-drills
Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah has no time for your unfounded criticism (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/28/nfl-combine-jeff-okudah-ohio-state-criticism/
Lions facing tough NFL draft decision: Okudah or Brown? (2-28-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/28/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-decision-jeff-okudah-derrick-brown/4903102002/
Jeff Okudah: It would be ‘magical’ to play with Darius Slay in Detroit (2-28-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/jeff-okudah-it-would-be-magical-to-play-with-darius-slay-in-detroit.html
Slay or no Slay, Jeff Okudah could be a great fit for Lions (2-28-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/slay-or-no-slay-jeff-okudah-could-be-a-great-fit-for-lions
Okudah: Gruden asked if I'm from planet Earth (2-28-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104101/article/jeff-okudah-says-jon-gruden-asked-him-if-hes-from-planet-earth
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 4 (“I had zero pass interferences and zero holdings. Cut the tape on that again.” – Jeffrey Okudah. Responding to a question about what he has to say about criticisms of his “sloppy” play and penalties. On top of putting up outrageous coverage numbers at Ohio State on an ideal frame for the cornerback position, Okudah wasn't flagged once for pass interference or holding in 2019. As PFF's lead draft analyst Mike Renner said in PFF's 2020 NFL Draft Guide, “He not only has a high floor but everything you want for a high ceiling.”) (2-28-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-4
Combine weigh-in: Okudah, Dugger winners (Winners - Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: Goodness this was a weigh-in for the ages at the combine. It really was. The consensus top cornerback -- and I have yet to find someone who doesn't have him as CB1 -- was over 6-1, over 200 pounds with nearly 33-inch arms and a magnificently long wingspan close to 79 inches. He has slot cornerback feet with menacing outside corner size, length, and ball skills.) (2-27-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-jeffrey-okudah-kyle-dugger-winners-as-defensive-backs-weigh-in/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 3 observations (Measuring up: Star cornerback Jeff Okudah measured in at 6-foot-1 and 1/8 inches and 205 pounds Thursday at the Combine. Those are terrific measurements for the top cornerback in the draft, someone the Lions could be eyeing with their first pick. – Tim Twentyman) (2-27-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-3-observations-okudah-kinlaw
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 3 (“Not sure his stock can get much higher, but Ohio State's Jeffrey Okudah turned in a near-perfect weigh-in. Dude was built in a lab to play cornerback.” – Austin Gayle. This past season, Okudah allowed just 0.49 yards per coverage snap when in press coverage, the second-lowest mark in the nation and well over a half-yard lower than the FBS average. On 29 such targets, he allowed just four first downs and not a single explosive play, and he forced eight incompletions and tallied one interception. NFL teams have to be salivating over his elite-level man-to-man skills.) (2-27-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-3
11 prospects who should dominate the scouting combine drills (CB Okudah: Not that Okudah needs a killer combine to impact his draft stock — I recently mocked him to the Redskins with the second overall pick, and you’d have to go a ways to find a mock that doesn’t have him in the top five. Okudah fits the profile of the modern boundary cornerback to a “T.” But if he’s able to run in the low 4.3s, as some believe he might, that’ll likely make him the most coveted defensive player in this class not named Chase Young.) (2-27-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/11-prospects-who-should-dominate-the-scouting-combine-drills/
What Detroit Lions fans should watch for at the NFL Combine (Jeffrey Okudah: Okudah has been one of the names consistently connected to the Lions at the third overall pick. It makes sense: pairing Okudah with Darius Slay would give them two of the most talented corners in the NFL. And if Slay were to leave or get traded, then the Lions would still have Okudah there to help replace him. Okudah will work out Sunday.) (2-27-20): https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/02/27/what-detroit-lions-fans-should-watch-for-at-the-nfl-combine/
2020 NFL Draft and Free Agency: Labeling the blue-chip, mid-tier, buyer beware and undervalued defensive backs (Blue Chips - CB JEFF OKUDAH (PFF draft projection: Round 1, top 5): If you're in need of a great man-coverage corner, Jeff Okudah is your man. This past season, Okudah allowed just 0.49 yards per coverage snap when in press coverage, which was the second-lowest mark in the nation and well over a half yard lower than the FBS average. On 29 such targets, he allowed just four first downs and not a single explosive play, and he forced eight incompletions and tallied one interception. Among all Power-5 corners who played in at least 15 games over the last two years, Okudah is the only one not to allow any more than 50 yards in a single game. Those are lockdown numbers. It seems highly unlikely that Okudah escapes the top five in April, and he seems to be a perfect fit for the man-coverage-heavy Lions.) (2-26-20): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2020-nfl-draft-and-free-agency-labeling-the-blue-chip-mid-tier-buyer-beware-and-undervalued-defensive-backs
Breaking down the top-10 cornerbacks in the 2020 NFL Draft (1. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: You will not find a hot take from me regarding this ranking. Jeffrey Okudah has been my top cornerback since October after he improved on his game in all facets from his Sophomore year to his Junior year. He is a defensive back who has all the pre-requisite physical tools to succeed at the next level. For example, his arms hang down to his knees, and his length is wicked. Yet, his feet are sudden and quick. Okudah is fluid when transitioning in and out of hip flips and breaks. And he is pretty fast, too. The athletic tools are eyepopping. But this year, he combined those physical tools with technical precision. His click and close improved in zone coverage, and he was able to anticipate routes and breaks much better. Okudah’s ability to recover was always great, but he put himself in good positions the entire year. He knew where his help was and played the leverage game perfectly. This is a guy who is scheme versatile, even if his press coverage skills are excellent with his physical traits. The ball skills and ball tracking ability are all there, too. There is not too much wrong with Okudah’s game. He is my third overall prospect in the class at this point. I am a massive fan of his, and I think some team is going to take him in the top-five and get an absolute gem.) (2-26-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-10-cornerbacks/
Ohio State's Jeff Okudah draws raves: 'That guy is really good' (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/ohio-states-jeff-okudah-draws-raves-nfl-combine/4872772002/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Cornerbacks (Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State (Suggested by: Erik Schlitt): If Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State) is off the board and the Lions stay at pick No. 3, all the signs point to the Lions making a decision between Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn) and Jeffrey Okudah (CB, Ohio State). Comfortable in press-man coverage, Okudah (est, 6-1, 200) is blessed with elite traits — burst, speed, strength, length — and the confidence required to be one of the best cornerbacks, not just on his team, but the entire NFL. With Darius Slay’s future in Detroit in question and an immediate need for a starting corner, Okudah would fill a much-needed role this season, while also giving the team security for the future.) (2-25-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-cornerbacks/
Why CB Jeff Okudah's Combine Performance is Highly Relevant to Lions (2-25-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/why-cb-jeff-okudah-combine-performance-is-highly-relevant-to-lions
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Combine (Up - Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, CBs, Ohio State: Don't be surprised if Okudah and Arnette are two of the stars of the defensive back workout at the combine. Team sources have said they heard both have been running some blistering 40s at their combine prep workouts. Okudah could run in the 4.3s and Arnette could be in the 4.4s in Indianapolis. Both would be tremendous times for cornerbacks with their sizes. Okudah's time could make him a top-five lock, and Arnette's could improve his first-round hopes. For Arnette, the combine interviews are more important than the field workout, as there are a lot of character and makeup concerns with teams, so he needs to illustrate that those issues are behind him. There is little doubt, however, that the Buckeyes duo will be among two of the most impressive cornerbacks on the field at the combine.) (2-25-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_24.php
Better Fit: Okudah or Brown? (2-24-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/better-fit-for-detroit-lions-jeff-okudah-or-derrick-brown
Ranking Detroit Lions First Round Draft Board (2. CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: This past season, the secondary was torched on a consistent basis, allowing a league-worst 284.4 passing yards per game. Okudah, meanwhile, "allowed just 3.1 yards per target in press coverage" this past season -- over 3.5 yards below the FBS average, according to Pro Football Focus. Per PFF, he also produced a better coverage grade in his final collegiate season than Jalen Ramsey did in his final season at Florida State in 2015.) (2-23-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ranking-detroit-lions-first-round-draft-board
NFL combine 2020: Jeff Okudah is the best cornerback prospect in years (CB Jeff Okudah (Ohio State): Joe Burrow and Chase Young are the favorites to go 1-2, which means Detroit could add the best defensive back in America to its secondary. You should hear the way analysts talk about this Okudah guy. “Some of the stuff you hear about him, and the workouts, like jumping 40 inches, going to less than 4% body fat, it’s just crazy stuff,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said this week. Jeremiah went on to say Okudah is the highest-graded corner prospect he’s seen since Marshon Lattimore, and compared him favorably to Stephon Gilmore. That’s some pretty lofty territory, but Jeremiah isn’t alone. “I think he’s going to have as high a grade as Patrick Peterson,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said. Alrighty then. But look at the numbers, and you can understand why people love him. Put it this way: Okudah is the only Power 5 school cornerback to play at least 10 coverage snaps in at least 15 games the last two years, and never allow more than 50 yards in any of them. It’s not just that he’s really good, either, but how he’s done it that makes him such a good fit for Detroit. Okudah is big, physical and has loads of experience playing press man, all of which suits the Lions scheme well. On 184 snaps of press coverage, Okudah never allowed a completion longer than 12 yards. On 400 coverage snaps overall, just six resulted in a completion of 15 yards. So, yeah. The Lions are going to have some tough choices to make if they hold onto the third overall pick, including whether to take Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But for all the quarterback talk that has dominated the draft conversation in Detroit, it’s important to remember the Lions were a sub-.500 team last year even with their quarterback playing at an MVP-like level. They were so bad because of their defense, and especially their inability to stop anybody -- even Mitchell Trubisky -- through the air. They need a better pass rush, sure, but they also need guys who can cover, especially if Slay splits this offseason. And there’s no prospect in America who can cover better than Okudah. It’ll be tough to pass on Tua, but it’ll be tough to pass on Okudah too, which potentially sets up Bob Quinn and co. for a major, franchise-altering decision.) (2-24-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jeff-okudah-is-the-best-cornerback-prospect-in-years.html
Okudah over Brown? Analyst believes Lions building defense like Patriots (2-21-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/21/jeff-okudah-over-derrick-brown-analyst-believes-lions-building-defense-like-patriots/4832682002/
2020 NFL Draft: Cornerback rankings, top prospects (1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State (JR, 6'1", 200 pounds): Combining prototypical physical traits—size, length, speed and agility—with his competitive makeup, Okudah is the clear-cut top cornerback in this year's draft class. He led Ohio State's defense in interceptions (three) and pass breakups (nine) in 2019. A scheme-diverse prospect, Okudah is a complete corner that is not only outstanding in coverage but also physical in run support. Okudah should thrive at the next level when isolated on an island to lock down an opponent's No. 1 receiver.) (2-20-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/20/nfl-draft-2020-cornerbacks-rankings-best-prospects
Draft CB rankings: Okudah leads pack (1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: There is very little Okudah doesn't do well. He allowed a completion percentage of just 38.9, according to Sports Info Solutions. And while he was targeted 54 times, he allowed just one touchdown. Okudah displays great footwork, the ability to flip his hips and run with receivers downfield or stop on a dime to plaster comeback routes. He rarely gets beat and is almost always in position to make a play on the ball. Former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward was the No. 4 overall pick in 2018 but Okudah is more physical, a better ballhawk, and nearly as fast. Put another way: Don't be surprised if he's a top-five selection this spring.) (2-19-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings-jeff-okudah-is-the-unquestioned-no-1-but-dont-sleep-on-rest-of-class/
Ten cornerbacks worth pursuing in free agency/2020 NFL Draft (8. Jeff Okudah, draft prospect: Ohio State is, in part, known for putting out exceptional talent at the cornerback position, having 10 cornerbacks selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 1999 (no other school has had more than five first-round CBs in that span). There's a ton of buzz around Okudah, who could be the best CB to ever come out of the Buckeye program. He is a top-five talent who has a chance to be selected higher than fourth overall, where another highly touted OSU corner, Denzel Ward, was drafted in 2018. Okudah has the intangibles to be great at the next level but still has room to improve.) (2-18-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102237/article/ten-cornerbacks-worth-pursuing-in-free-agency2020-nfl-draft
2020 NFL Combine: Cornerback Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State 6-1, 200 (Top 10 overall): Why He’s Here On The List: Everything is there. He’s got the size, the fight, and the tools to go along with a cleverness to his game. He has the right combination of talent along with seemingly thinking differently about the game – he’s always doing something to make something happen. What The NFL Types Want To See: Just how smooth is he? No one will question his football skills, but the difference between being a top ten overall pick and going in the top five comes down to the measurables. It won’t matter that much, but if he looks fluid, that’s it – he’s a top five pick. Bottom Line: Shhhhhhhhh, but he might actually be the best defensive player in the draft. Okay, so it’s Chase Young, but Okudah is as good for a secondary as the Heisman finalist is for the line. Everything is there to be a special difference-maker who changes around a defense.) (2-17-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-cornerback-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
Thor Nystrom Multi-Round Mock Team Breakdowns (Many have mocked the Lions Jeffrey Okudah at 1.3. I believe that’s a bit high for a cover corner, and I also believe, if the Lions ultimately stay in the slot, that they could do a better job addressing their myriad defensive needs by picking a player who can do many different things on a play-in, play-out basis. Clemson DW Isaiah Simmons is listed as a linebacker, but he’s actually a LB/S/slot hybrid who you can blitz off the edge when you absolutely need to get pressure on the quarterback. He’s a trump card, a queen on the chessboard… a defensive weapon. For a team like the Lions, which finished No. 28 in defensive DVOA in 2019 despite employing CB Darius Slay, I feel Simmons addresses more core issues than Okudah (and, if I may, I believe he's a slightly better prospect). None of which is to say that Detroit doesn’t need a corner. They absolutely do. The beauty of this corner class is that it’s stocked with guys in that 20-45 sweet spot, right where the Lions will be picking at 2.35. CB Cam Dantzler, a long, explosive athlete, would be an awesome fit.) (2-13-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-drafts/thor-nystrom-multi-round-mock-team-breakdowns?page=2
Lions NFL Combine preview: Defensive backs (Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: As polished of a cornerback prospect as there’s been in the past few years, Okudah is legitimately in play for the Lions in the first round, whether the team sticks with the No. 3 pick or is able to move back a few spots with a trade. Dominant in man coverage, Detroit’s preferred scheme, a good combine performance would rubber stamp his unquestionably impressive tape.) (2-13-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/13/detroit-lions-nfl-combine-preview-defensive-backs/4751287002/
2020 NFL draft: Lions face many options at No. 3 overall (3. Jeff Okudah: Seen by many as the most likely pick for the Lions if they stay at No. 3, Jeff Okudah is yet another stud to come from the Ohio State factory for defensive backs. Okudah is a lengthy cornerback at 6-foot-1 who has the size to match up with bigger receivers on the boundary. He’s physical and can jam the opposition at the line of scrimmage in press coverage, and he doesn’t shy away from contact when attacking the ball. He is also an incredible athlete for his size, as his hip fluidity and ability to seamlessly accelerate coming out of his breaks are among the best in the class. Okudah, who had 3 interceptions and 9 deflections in 2019, has impressive ball skills and can box out receivers in jump-ball situations. With no real answer at cornerback alongside Darius Slay – and the Pro Bowler’s future with the team in question – Okudah would be a slam-dunk pick for the Lions at No. 3. Regardless of whether or not Slay sticks around, the Ohio State standout would give them another cornerback with All-Pro potential.) (2-13-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/13/2020-nfl-draft-lions-options-tua-tagovailoa-jeff-okudah-derrick-brown/
2020 Combine Preview: Cornerback (1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State, 6-1, 200: Started all 14 games for the Buckeyes and was first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and a Jim Thorpe Award finalist. He led Ohio State with three interceptions and nine pass breakups this past season as a junior, also posting 34 tackles and a forced fumble. He has the size, length, speed, quickness and toughness to be a really good cornerback in the NFL for a long time. He's a likely top 10 pick.) (2-11-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-cornerback-okudah-henderson
Opinion: Why Ohio State's Jeff Okudah lands with Lions in Mock Draft 1.0 (2-7-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/07/nfl-mock-draft-detroit-lions-ohio-state-jeff-okudah/4678245002/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Cornerbacks (1. JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE (Draft Board Rank: 4th): Quite easily the most complete corner in this class. Okudah simply didn’t get beaten at Ohio State. The longest catch he allowed in his entire career went for only 38 yards; the longest he allowed all last season went for only 28. He didn’t allow more than half of his targets to be completed in any of his three seasons for the Buckeyes. The junior has the type of statistical profile you dream of at the position. Oh, and he also has the physical profile. At The Opening back in high school, Okudah ran a 4.49 40, had a 4.03 short shuttle, and a 41.6” vertical. Those are freakish numbers that were good enough to give him the highest SPARQ score of any defensive back prospect in the 2017 class. Hailing from a very translatable scheme in Ohio State, it’s difficult to find too many question marks about Okudah’s play on tape.) (2-5-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-cornerbacks
Better Fit: Okudah or Simmons? (2-2-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/who-is-better-fit-for-lions-jeff-okudah-or-isaiah-simmons
Lions’ Darius Slay has already begun texting with Ohio State star Jeff Okudah (1-29-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/lions-darius-slay-has-already-begun-texting-with-ohio-state-star-jeff-okudah.html
10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Which draft prospects could make an immediate impact for Lions? (20man: I'll start with cornerback Jeff Okudah out of Ohio State. The Lions are one of three defenses to record a league-low seven interceptions in 2019. Slay is scheduled to become a free agent following the 2020 season. Okudah has terrific length (6-1, 200 pounds), athleticism and the skill to fit Detroit's defensive style. He's clearly the best cornerback in this draft. 20man: I still think Okudah could make the most impact, and that's coming from someone who's on record as saying he doesn't like drafting corners high in the first round unless they check off all the boxes, and I mean all the boxes. Jalen Ramsey did in 2016, Marshon Lattimore in 2017 and Denzel Ward in 2018. When it's all said and done, Okudah has a chance to do that. The Lions had the worst pass defense in the NFL this past season and tied for the fewest interceptions (7). They obviously need to bolster their pass rush, but Okudah is the kind of cover corner who could really complement Slay on the other side.) (1-28-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-which-draft-prospects-could-make-an-immediate-impact
Pat Caputo - Jeff Okudah to Lions 3rd overall would be NFL Draft outlier (1-28-20): https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pat-caputo---jeff-okudah-to-lions-rd-overall/article_a097ad98-41fe-11ea-bf51-c78fd119fce1.html
NFL draft analyst: Why the Lions should consider Tua Tagovailoa, ultimately take Jeff Okudah (Of course, Okudah is also a way better, way more polished prospect than Slay was coming out of Mississippi State. And Brooks says he could be good enough to play right away. "They need to have a ready-made player," Brooks said. "To me, Okudah is a ready-made player. A guy you can plug-and-play and get big things out of. We’ve seen corners drafted up there have immediate success, going back to Jalen Ramsey, Denzel Ward. The guys that are graded in that range, they have the potential to impact you right away. So I think the big thing for Detroit is whoever they take in that mix has to be a difference-maker.") (1-27-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/nfl-draft-analyst-why-the-lions-should-consider-tua-tagovailoa-ultimately-take-jeff-okudah.html
Senior Bowl: Interview with Dan Hope on the Ohio State prospects (1-23-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/23/senior-bowl-interview-dan-hope-ohio-state-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
NFL Mock Draft 2020: 3 targets for Detroit Lions in first round (Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Right now, this is the most probable Lions pick. The clear cut best Defensive Back in the nation, Okudah has the size, 6’1”, 200 lbs., and the skill set to be a true shut down corner in the NFL. Amazing in man coverage, Okudah uses his long arms to stay in position when defending even the quickest receivers. Don’t let his 3 career Interceptions fool you, Okudah has ball skills, he just goes through spells in games where opposing Quarterbacks don’t bother throwing his way. One last thing on Okudah, if the Lions do draft him, they are getting a very impressive young man that has been through a lot in his short career, is recent article for The Players Tribune is worth a read, even if you are a Wolverines fan. NFL Comparison – Richard Sherman) (1-10-20): https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/01/10/nfl-mock-draft-2020-3-targets-for-detroit-lions-in-first-round/
Evaluating declaration decisions (CB Jeff Okudah (Ohio State): Okudah is a special player. He is long and lean but wiry strong. Most cornerbacks are afraid to fly up and make tackles in the backfield, but do not count Okudah among them. He is an aggressive player more than comfortable making plays in the backfield. His coverage ability downfield is great too. The Buckeyes produced Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward and now Okudah. They all possess similar strengths and well-rounded styles of play. NFL Draft projection: Top-10 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
OnePride 2020 Lions' Fan Mock Draft 1.0 (Round 1, Pick 3: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU: At 6-1, 200 pounds, Okudah is almost universally thought of as the top defensive back in this class and worthy of a top pick. Incredibly smooth, Okudah is a rare talent that possesses both long speed and closing acceleration. Comfortable in man coverage, he can turn and run, as well as, mirror all different types of wide receivers. Drafting Okudah makes a lot of sense for the Lions as they rely heavily on their corners to play on islands. By selecting him, the Lions would have a key player in place for the next five years and would give them options when dealing with the Darius Slay situation moving forward. Erik’s take: I’m fine with Okudah, but I also very much understand the appeal of the second-place vote finisher, Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn.) (1-6-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/06/onepride-2020-lions-fan-mock-draft-1-0/
Giants 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (CB Jeff Okudah: Ohio State has produced some great cornerbacks recently with Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward. The NFC East team may be afraid to re-visit the well that produced former No. 10 overall selection Eli Apple, however. Okudah is a fluid mover with great footwork. Fans who tuned into the College Football Playoff semifinal are well aware of his talents by now. The hope is that DeAndre Baker continues to develop as a player then Okudah would step into a role vacated by veteran Janoris Jenkins. Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas might be another tempting option early in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (1-4-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-new-york-giants-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
A little about why PFF
thinks the Lions should pick CB Jeffrey Okudah with the No. 3 overall pick this draft (1-3-20): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF_Lions/status/1213285759484137472
Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/01/2020-nfl-draft-jeff-okudah-ohio-state-declares/
Lions To Pick Third Overall In Draft: Three Early Targets (Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: After Young, Okudah might be the best defensive player in the draft. And he has the size and length that Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn prefer in the secondary. Depending how things play out with Darius Slay this offseason, the Lions might have a major need at cornerback. Okudah could step in at a much cheaper price. He has the skills to develop into a shutdown corner in the NFL.) (12-30-19): https://971theticket.radio.com/articles/lions-to-pick-third-overall-in-draft-three-early-targets
Perfect 2020 NFL Draft fits for every non-playoff team (3. Lions - Earlier — CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: They need pass-rushing help, but the value won’t be there at No. 3 with Young gone. Pairing Okudah with Darius Slay could make Matt Patricia far more comfortable about ‘faking’ a pass-rush via blitz with how good a man-coverage duo that would be.) (12-30-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-perfect-2020-nfl-draft-fits-for-every-non-playoff-team
Winners, losers from Clemson's comeback win over Ohio State (Winner: Jeff Okudah was phenomenal - Clemson has two dynamic receivers in Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins. Both of them dealt with minor injuries during the Fiesta Bowl, but when they were on the field it was tough sledding due to the smothering coverage they faced going against star Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah. The future first-round pick was awesome in coverage, and he laid some wood with physical play as well. Okudah could have arguably been credited with a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown, too. But a controversial review overturned the call on the field, wiping out the defensive score.) (12-28-19): https://sportsnaut.com/2019/12/winners-losers-from-clemsons-comeback-win-over-ohio-state/
Okudah pass break up: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=28385512
Fiesta Bowl prospect preview: Ohio State vs. Clemson (Jeff Okudah, CB, 6-1, 200, junior: The near-unanimous top CB prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah has size (6-1/200 that both appear legit from seeing him in person), twitch, agility, quick reactions, long speed and a willingness to tackle. He’s a better college player than Denzel Ward, his Buckeye predecessor who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2018 as the No. 4 overall pick. He tries to bait the QB too often and better NFL passers and WRs will exploit that — not unlike Darius Slay — but that’s really the only consistently legit knock on his game.) (12-28-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/fiesta-bowl-prospect-preview-ohio-state-vs-clemson/
TWENTYMAN: 10 players to watch in national semifinal games (3. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Okudah is over 6-feet tall and around 200 pounds with terrific length and ball skills. He has three interceptions on the year, and has defended seven passes. He has the skillset to play both inside and outside at the next level. He’s projected to be one of first cornerbacks off the board. Darius Slay is entering the final year of his contract, and the Lions need more skilled players that can make an impact at the corner position.) (12-27-19): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-players-to-watch-in-national-semifinal-games
Draft prospects for Lions fans to watch in college football selection committee, playoff games (Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah -- McShay has the Ohio State cornerback going to the Lions with the fifth-overall pick in his first mock. Jeff Okudah has allowed a passer rating of 54.5 on the 104 career targets he’s face. “It’s time for the Lions to take their first Day 1 cornerback since Terry Fair in 1998,” he writes. “The big and athletic Okudah has all the tools to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL and would be the sixth Buckeyes defensive back in the past five years to go in Round 1.”) (12-27-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/draft-prospects-for-lions-fans-to-watch-in-college-football-selection-committee-playoff-games.html
College Football Playoff Preview: Ohio State vs. Clemson (The Ohio State cornerbacks have been something special this season. Led by Jeff Okudah, who was mocked third overall in PFF’s latest 2020 NFL Mock Draft, the Buckeye coverage unit as a whole is the highest-graded in college football. The outside cornerbacks specifically have been on another level and have a strong case to be the best outside unit in the nation. Ohio State’s outside corners have allowed a first down on just 18.6% of their targets this season, the lowest mark in college football by over 3.5%. Along with that, they have allowed just one touchdown this season in coverage and are the only unit of the 130 teams to allow one or fewer touchdowns. Okudah and senior Damon Arnette have the primary outside duties and are improving their NFL draft stock each time they take the field. Okudah has combined for 10 pass breakups and interceptions, leading way to just a 41.6 passer rating allowed in coverage and a surefire top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. As for Arnette, he’s been one of the most improved draft prospects this year, skyrocketing up draft boards. Arnette dropped his catch rate allowed by over 20%, yards allowed by 150 and passer rating allowed by nearly 40 points. They’ll have their toughest matchup of the year against Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross. Best part about this matchup is that we won’t see either be shadowed by one cornerback and will get to see both go up against each other – Okudah will stay on the left and Arnette on the right while Higgins and Ross alternate on any given play.) (12-27-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-playoff-preview-ohio-state-vs-clemson
Ranking the 50 best 2020 NFL draft prospects in the College Football Playoff (3. JEFF OKUDAH, CB, OHIO STATE (Year: Junior): Okudah ticks pretty much every box you want from a top-tier cornerback. He has size, speed and length, with off-the-chart production over his career. Now in his second year as a starter, Okudah has allowed a passer rating against of 54.9 for his career. That number isn't even inflated by gaudy pick totals as he has nabbed only three. Okudah has a chance to be the top cornerback off the board if he enters the draft.) (12-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-best-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-in-the-college-football-playoff
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: SECOND BOWL WEEK (Clemson WR Tee Higgins vs Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah: Another elite wide receiver vs cornerback matchup takes the main stage for this weekend’s playoff games. In an incredibly rare competitive semi-final playoff match, Clemson WR Tee Higgins will face off with Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah. Of the two, Okudah is generally held up as the superior prospect. Okudah is a common favorite for the top spot in a loaded cornerback class that should feature a handful of first-round players. Better yet, Okudah may have a case as the best cornerback prospect to come out of college since Marshon Lattimore in 2017. Part of Okudah’s brilliance is his ability to fit seamlessly into any scheme. While the brightest defensive minds will see Okudah’s skills and use him as a man cornerback as much as possible, he also has the tools and awareness to thrive in zone and match coverages. Take this play, for example. The Buckeyes look to be in some form of Inverted Cover 2 on this play as both corners float into deep-halves, while the safeties and linebackers cover the underneath area. It’s a risky coverage because it almost always gives up the seams immediately, just as it does on this play. Okudah makes up for the scheme’s flaws, however, and closes on the vertical seam route before the ball can arrive to the receiver. Most cornerbacks don’t have the vision, trigger, and speed to make this play out of this kind of coverage, but Okudah keeps himself moving the whole way and nearly finds a way to make a miraculous interception. Simply being able to close the gap and meet at the catch point won’t always be enough versus Okudah’s primary opponent, however. Higgins is good at a variety of things, but he has come this far as a prospect because of how well he dominates the catch point. He is a moving vacuum of space that consumes any pass thrown remotely near him. Whether low, high, behind, out in front, or on the sideline, Higgins has an uncanny ability to fight toward the catch point and contort his body into a winning position at the football. Though he oddly has issues catching some more ordinary passes, Higgins’ dominance in tough situations can not be overstated. Higgins is more dynamic than the standard contested-catch winner, though. He is not just a skyscraper looks for jump balls (remember Jaelen Strong?). Once Higgins gets the ball in his hands, be that after a heroic effort or on a routine pitch-and-catch, he can turn on the jets and fly past defenses. Draft Scout, who generally have the most accurate 40-yard dash predictions around, project Higgins running in the 4.36 - 4.57 range and set his average time at 4.47. For a receiver roughly 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, that is some dangerous speed. Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green, for example, ran a 4.48 at basically the same size. This matchup has the chance to be electric and perhaps the best matchup of the weekend. Okudah’s fluid, fast play style likely won’t let Higgins gain very much separation, but Higgins has the strong hands and in-air coordination to win anyway. A good portion of how this matchup goes likely hinges on how well Okudah can stand up to Higgins at the catch point. He should be able to do it better than most of Higgins’ past opponents, but there is no denying the Clemson receiver can Moss even the best of ‘em on occasion.) (12-26-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-second-bowl-week
Prospects to watch in Fiesta Bowl (Jeffrey Okudah, CB: If you just watch Okudah's feet, you'll think you're watching a nimble slot corner. While he's as dynamic as a top slot prospect, Okudah is over 6-foot and weighs around 200 pounds with outstanding length and stellar ball skills. He had three picks and seven pass breakups on the year. He's aware when the ball is arriving and routinely makes a play on it. He'll likely be one of the first two cornerbacks off the board and most likely a first-round pick.) (12-23-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/fiesta-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-clemson-vs-ohio-state/
On menu of 10 first-rounders, options are tantalizing for Lions (Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Cornerback figures to be an area of need, and doubly so if the Lions opt to part ways with three-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. Whether it’s as a replacement or a pairing, Okudah is the best prospect in this class. Putting questions about his ball skills to rest with three interceptions this season, he also allowed fewer than half of the throws his direction to be completed. If the Lions don’t overhaul the defensive scheme, Okudah excels in man coverage thanks to quick feet and fluid hips.) (12-20-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/20/detroit-lions-10-first-round-menu-options-tantalizing/2685101001/
Tony Pauline Mailbag: 2020 NFL Draft news on Jake Fromm, Jacob Eason and more: (Is there a significant drop off from Jeffrey Okudah and Trevon Diggs to the second group of cornerbacks? I think there is a big drop off from Okudah to that second tier of corners, which includes Diggs. I had high hopes for Diggs prior to the season, which I wrote about, but he was too inconsistent for him to be in the top twelve selections, which I initially believed to be possible.) (12-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-mailbag-2020-nfl-draft-news-jake-fromm-jacob-eason/
Sporting News 2019 college football All-Americans (CB: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: Ohio State’s secondary was much improved under Broyles Award nominee Jeff Hafley, and Okudah was one of the biggest stars on the back end. Okudah had three interceptions and seven pass breakups, but he emerged as more of a lockdown cornerback opposing quarterbacks tried to stay away from. The Buckeyes ranked second in the FBS in pass defense.) (12-17-19): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/sporting-news-2019-college-football-all-americans/b3bevye8lma310clpads6xo1w
NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Ranking the Top 10 Prospects (NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Ranking the Top 10 Prospects (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Okudah had top-10 overall potential coming into the year, but he needed to be more consistent.) (12-17-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/17/nfl-draft-2020-big-board-top-10-prospects
ESPN College football All-America team (CB: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State - Okudah has the length, ball skills and speed all coaches covet in a cornerback, and he's been one of the catalysts this season in an Ohio State defense that improved dramatically from 2018 and ranks third nationally in scoring defense. The 6-1, 200-pound Okudah has three interceptions and two forced fumbles, and the reality is that opposing offenses very rarely test him.) (12-16-19): https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28293527/college-football-all-america-team
Ohio State football’s Chase Young and Jeff Okudah named Walter Camp first team All-America (Okudah leads Ohio State with three interceptions, and his 10 passes defended is tied for fifth among Big Ten players. Okudah also has 30 tackles (25 solo) and forced two fumbles. He is a finalist for the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.) (12-12-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/12/ohio-state-footballs-chase-young-and-jeff-okudah-named-walter-camp-first-team-all-america.html
SI's 2019 College Football All-America Team (CB: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: Much of the focus with Ohio State's defense has been on Chase Young, but Okudah will also see himself highly touted in the 2020 NFL draft. The junior cornerback has three interceptions this year, made in a two-week span, and two forced fumbles. ) (12-11-19): https://www.si.com/college/2019/12/11/college-football-all-america-team
2019 CBS Sports All-America team: Ohio State, SEC lead the way with most selections (Okudah made the team) (12-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2019-cbs-sports-all-america-team-ohio-state-sec-lead-the-way-with-most-selections/
USA TODAY College football All-American team (CB Jeff Okudah: Okudah (three interceptions) has developed into the total package as the Buckeyes' latest stopper on the outside.) (12-11-19): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/12/11/college-football-all-american-team-led-joe-burrow-chase-young/4398195002/
Could Lions take Tua Tagovailoa? DraftWatch 2020 eyes the chances (CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: Young isn’t the only top-10 talent coming out of Columbus this year. Okudah is another junior expected to declare early, and when he does he’ll likely be the best cornerback in the draft. Ohio State’s NFL pipeline is impressive, and Okudah is in the same class as recent Buckeye defensive backs Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore.) (12-9-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/09/detroit-lions-tua-tagovailoa-nfl-draft/2631064001/
Ohio State football’s Jeff Okudah made a painful exit from the Big Ten championship game — and a triumphant return (12-8-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/12/ohio-state-footballs-jeff-okudah-made-a-painful-exit-from-the-big-ten-championship-game-and-a-triumphant-return.html
Will Ohio State football's Jeffrey Okudah be challenged by Cephus (12-7-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/12/will-ohio-state-footballs-jeffrey-okudah-be-challenged-by-wisconsins-quintez-cephus-game-time-decisions.html
Darkhorse NFL Draft Top-5 Picks: Justin Herbert leads list (Jeffrey Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State: It is not likely that a cornerback will be selected with a top-5 pick in any draft unless they are a special talent. For example, in the 2019 draft, the first cornerback selected was Deandre Baker to the New York Giants with the 30th pick. In fact, only three cornerbacks were selected with a top-5 pick in the last 10 NFL drafts. Ironically, the last cornerback selected top-5 was Denzel Ward in 2018, who also came from Ohio State. Jeffrey Okudah is the better player. What does Jeffrey Okudah do well? He possesses great size and athleticism, which allows him to excel in man coverage. Quick feet, fluid movement skills, and high football intelligence are other traits that make Okudah special. Coming out of high school, Okudah was a highly decorated 5-star recruit. He burst onto the scene late in the 2018 season and quickly became the best defensive back at Ohio State. Coming into 2019, one area of doubt surrounding Okudah was his ball skills; however, he quickly answered those concerns by intercepting 3 passes in the first 5 games of the season. Take a peek at the video below, and see Okudah break up a pass to Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins. Okudah perfectly reads the play and breaks up the pass. As I mentioned, Okudah entered the 2019 season facing concerns about his ball skills, but the clip below will show those concerns were premature. In this clip, Okudah locates the ball and defends the pass. Jeffrey Okudah is a realistic option for the Washington Redskins with the third pick in the 2020 NFL draft. It’s popular to mock a left tackle such as Andrew Thomas or Tristian Wirfs to the Redskins, but with Josh Norman being a certain cap casualty in the offseason, cornerback becomes more of a need. If he doesn’t go to the Redskins, the Atlanta Falcons are in desperate need of a shutdown cornerback and they currently hold the 5th pick. With Okudah being a more than viable option for two teams with top-5 draft selections, it is almost certain he will hear his name called early in the 2020 draft.) (12-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/darkhorse-nfl-draft-top-5-picks-justin-herbert-leads-list/2/
5 early first-round 2020 NFL Draft target ideas for the Lions (Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: If the Lions want to add a natural playmaker at outside CB to either pair with –or replace–Darius Slay, Okudah is the only candidate worthy of a top-10 selection. The 6-1 junior has always been strong in man coverage on the outside of Ohio State’s NFL-prep defense. In 2019, he improved his ball skills and ball awareness quite a bit to emerge as a legit shutdown cornerback for the nation’s best defense. Based on the current defensive scheme, Okudah fits perfectly. His biggest issues are in zone recognition and transition areas between himself and the safeties. The coaching staff will love Okudah’s physicality and consistent ability to terminate plays with his tackling. He’s a bigger, sturdier version of Denzel Ward, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2018 as a surprise top 10 overall pick.) (12-4-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/04/2020-nfl-draft-1st-round-target-ideas-detroit-lions/
Six From Saturday: Jalen Mayfield Holds His Own Against Chase Young (2. Two guys in the Ohio State secondary acquitted themselves well, despite the Buckeyes pass defense struggling early. One was Jeffrey Okudah, a likely top-10 pick in April (one scout I know comped him to Detroit CB Darius Slay). The other? He didn’t even play. How Ohio State missed Shaun Wade, a redshirt sophomore who plays a slot corner/safety hybrid spot, was noted. Wade’s got a shot to go in the first round if he declares for the draft.) (12-3-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/03/jalen-mayfield-jeffrey-okudah-shawn-wade-2020-nfl-draft
Big-10 Championship: Preview, prospects, and prediction (The Ohio State defense has been dominant this year, the biggest reason being two stars they have on the defensive line and in the secondary. Defensive end Chase Young is the best player in the country and has been far and away the best pass rusher in the country. His teammate Jeffrey Okudah has also been the best at his craft. Okudah has been the nations top cover cornerback this year and has cemented himself as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, the best unit in the country doesn’t come from just two players; the entire Ohio State defensive unit has been excellent.) (12-3-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-10-championship-preview-19/
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Big Ten Team (CORNERBACK - First Team: Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State. Okudah didn’t have a single interception in his career heading into 2019, but that all changed as the junior racked up three picks and added six pass breakups this season. He allowed only 21-of-45 targets for 220 yards and a passer rating of 41.0.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-big-ten-team
NCAA College Football Week 14 Live Blog with Tony Pauline (I would be remiss if I did not talk about Jeffrey Okudah’s fantastic performance earlier today in Ohio State’s win over Michigan. Okudah had a truly special game as he took Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black and shut them down. Okudah’s length and instincts are a fantastic combination to watch, especially now that the game has truly slowed down for Okudah and he is playing at full speed. Every week, it seems like Okudah puts out impressive tape and as such, he continues to rise his stock into being a potential top ten pick. Okudah has all the physical gifts and he is putting it all together. Today’s game was just another example of why Okudah might be the first cornerback taken off the board in April. NF) (11-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-week-14-live-blog-with-tony-pauline/
Back to the Future: Okudah vs. Peoples-Jones leads list of CFB matchups to watch (Matchup to Watch: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah vs. Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: This seems like one of those matchups that everyone is looking forward to at this moment, and it is not just draftniks that are highlighting this matchup. Jeffrey Okudah has made a name for himself as perhaps the best cornerback in all of college football while Donovan Peoples-Jones is a former highly touted recruit and widely known receiver, even in Michigan’s loaded receiving corps. Okudah is at this point a consensus top ten player on many big boards while Peoples-Jones has slid into the background and become somewhat of a sleeper in the draft analyst world. That does not mean he should be a sleeper, though, especially in such a deep wide receiver corps such as Michigan, Peoples-Jones might be the best out of all of them. And Okudah, who has two great running mates in Damon Arnette and Shaun Wade, is probably the best out of them as well. For Okudah, it is plays like that which make him so good. He follows the rollout in pursuit of the play flow to the short side of the field, but the click and close on this route are fantastic. Okudah reads it right away and is in a terrific position to jump this crosser over the middle of the field because he reads this right away due to the route combination. Simply staying in the hip pocket and making the interception is the icing on top of it all. This is a peak Okudah play. He keeps his hips disciplined and mirrors every move this wide receiver makes and funnels him up to some help he has in the deep half of the field. That still does not deter him from staying right in the hip pocket here and making a great play the catch point, though. Okudah plays at the high point of the pass and plays through the receiver’s hands, getting the ball out as a result.) (11-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-okudah-vs-peoples-jones-leads-list-of-cfb-matchups-to-watch-in-week-14/
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 14 (Michigan vs Ohio State - WR Donovan Peoples-Jones vs Ohio State DBs Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade. Ohio State’s DBs made an appearance last week, but versus a different kind of player. Penn State’s K.J. Hamler, their main opponent last week, was more of a true slot receiver who matched up against Shaun Wade for a good portion of the day. Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, however, plays from the slot and out wide at about equal rates, so both Wade and Jeffrey Okudah should get chances to match up against the Wolverines’ best pass catcher. Whereas Wade got most of the time in the spotlight last week, it’s Okudah’s turn. Okudah primarily plays on the outside for the Buckeyes. He sports a fair 6-foot-1, 200-pound build that lands him right at the cross section of big enough to play physical, yet compact and flexible enough to keep up with any kind of wide receiver. Okudah matches his flexible frame with impressive athletic ability. DraftScout.com, who have generally been the best at gauging 40-yard dash times ahead of the NFL Combine, project Okudah to run a 4.43, potentially as fast as a 4.32. Besides the long speed to match and catch up to WRs down the field, Okudah has the fiery feet and smooth hips to constantly reset his positioning relative to the receiver and route to stay ahead of where he needs to be. As the cherry on top, Okudah has a natural ability to find the ball in the air and contort his body to get a hand on it. Plenty of cornerbacks know to get their head around and stick a hand up, but not as many cornerbacks know exactly how to move to locate the ball at a point where the wide receiver has the worst chance of making a counter player on it. Okudah doesn’t often give his opponents chances in potential catch-point situations. Since Okudah is playing outside leverage and knows he has a teammate flying over from the inside, he has no viable way to work to the inside of the receiver here and try to win the catch point that way. Instead, Okudah’s best option is to wrap around the back of the receiver and beat him vertically. Okudah loops around the receiver and times his jump just before the receiver’s, allowing him to always keep his hand in the spot the receiver wants to bring his hands up to find the ball. Not only is this a heads-up adjustment by Okudah in terms of how he needs to play this, but it shows off some impressive length in that he is able to outstretch his arm back across his body toward the left while flying through the air to the right. It’s a minor aspect of the play, but that kind of body control isn’t easy. Okudah has a rare ability to work around the ball in the air. Peoples-Jones won’t necessarily be the type of receiver to threaten Okudah vertically like that, though. Peoples-Jones, being as he is a tweener between the slot and outside alignment, is more of a chain-mover than he is an explosive play generator. Rather than sheer speed or lightning quickness, Peoples-Jones wins more through physicality through his routes and his ability to adjust to the ball. Slants, curls, 10-yard outs, fades, and crossers make up the majority of Peoples-Jones’ route tree. Though he does have some decent ability to snap off his routes at the top, he more regularly wins by not giving up his frame at the line of scrimmage and being able to use his 6-foot-2, 208-pound frame to shield defenders off the ball. Fighting over the ball in the air is where these two will likely duke it out, assuming Okudah allows himself to be targeted in this matchup at all. While Peoples-Jones does do a fine job of shielding from defenders and stretching out to make acrobatic catches, only a few players in the country can match Okudah’s ball skills. As far as cornerbacks go, it may just be LSU’s Derek Stingley who can compare to Okudah’s ability to locate and get a hand on the ball in the air from any position. Okudah is the clear favorite in this matchup. Peoples-Jones is fighting to earn himself a top-100 draft slot, while Okudah may go as high as the top-5 assuming the NFL Combine and interview process goes well for him. Advantage: Okudah) (11-27-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-14
2020 NFL Draft: Top-five players at each defensive position entering College Football Week 14 (CORNERBACK - 1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: Okudah hasn’t allowed 50-plus yards in a game all season and has yielded only 450 yards on 37/87 targets since the start of 2018. He’s also yet to commit a penalty so far this year. He’s got all the physical traits you could want from a top-flight corner.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-five-players-at-each-defensive-position-entering-college-football-week-14
5 cornerbacks who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ defense in 2020 NFL Draft (Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah -- Jeff Okudah is widely considered the top cornerback prospect in the draft and could push himself into the top five. The Lions have continued to get closer to the top of the draft as each week passes, so he’s worth a look as a potential first-round option. What stands out the most from Okudah’s season is the 37.6 passer rating allowed when opposing quarterbacks throw his way. Okudah has desirable size at 6-foot-1 and has regularly flashed impressive skills in man-to-man coverage and in the press. The former five-star recruit has three interceptions and four pass deflections during his junior season at Ohio State. PFF even featured the ballhawk on its midseason All-American team. “This is a potential top-five pick with a high ceiling based on talent alone,” Kiper writes. “The problem? Okudah hadn’t picked off a single pass in his two seasons for the Buckeyes. He has three interceptions this season, though, including two picks in the blowout of Nebraska. While (Chase) Young gets all of the attention for the Ohio State defense, Okudah is a true shutdown corner in the secondary.”) (11-22-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/11/5-cornerbacks-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-defense-in-2020-nfl-draft.html
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 13 (While Wade will likely be the one to face off against Hamler for most of the game, do not be surprised if Jeffrey Okudah gets a few reps versus Hamler. Okudah is primarily an outside cornerback and Hamler is mostly a slot receiver, but both have seen time at opposite spots this season, so it isn’t out of the question that they see each other a few times. If they do get to face off at all, Okudah vs Hamler is an even more compelling matchup. Okudah is a star cornerback with elite movement skills in every sense of the concept. It might be an easy comparison because they share the same Alma Mater, but Okudah’s blend of length, speed, and smooth hips all around are reminiscent of Marshon Lattimore, who has been a stud for most of his career with the New Orleans Saints. Hamler would have a tougher time with Okudah not only because of his speed, but because Okudah is dominant at the catch point whereas Hamler is … just there. The puny Penn State track star should be hoping to avoid the future top-10 pick at cornerback. Assuming Ohio State provide better safety help over the top than most other schools have been able to do against Hamler, Wade (and Okudah) should come out ahead in this matchup. Hamler will likely make a splash play or two because of the sheer volume of chances he will get, but Wade has the goods to keep Hamler contained for a good portion of the day. Advantage: Wade/Okudah) (11-20-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-13
Eight first-round locks for the 2020 NFL Draft (CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE - Okudah is yet another player who has been lights out since he first started seeing playing time as a true freshman. He’s allowed a completion percentage of 43.6, a passer rating of 55.5 and given up only 525 yards on over 700 coverage snaps in his career. This season he’s taken his game to a new level, though, as targeting him has yielded a lower passer rating (37.6) than simply throwing the ball in the dirt every play. Oh, and he ran a 4.49s 40-yard dash, had a 4.03s shuttle, and a 41.5-inch vertical at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds in High School.) (11-11-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-eight-first-round-locks-2020-nfl-draft
NFL Draft: The five biggest takeaways from the Week 9 PFN Live Blog (Junior corner Jeffery Okudah grades as a mid-first round choice. Despite an inconsistent season.) (10-27-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-the-five-biggest-takeaways-from-the-week-9-pfn-live-blog/4/
NFL draft prospects to watch: Clemson's Travis Etienne still producing big plays (Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah vs Wisconsin - A week ago, we watched Ohio State toy with Northwestern in a 52-3 blowout, and it became clear in pregame conversations with people from the NFL and the Buckeyes that Jeffrey Okudah could be locked in with fellow OSU defender Chase Young to the top 10 picks next spring. Of course, that doesn’t mean that Okudah can coast from here on out and be assured a spot that high in the 2020 NFL draft. League talent evaluators are enamored with his coverage ability, especially with the NFL trending toward more man-coverage schemes — at least among successful defenses — the past few seasons. This Wisconsin-OSU matchup looks like a tasty one, and prior to Wisconsin being upset against Illinois, the buzz was that many of the folks who were there last week to watch the Buckeyes could make a return trip for this game, which features as many as 15 NFL prospects who could enter next spring’s draft. The most talented of the Badgers’ wide receivers is Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated to the program. He adds a big-play element to complement the running of Jonathan Taylor. Cephus mostly lines up outside, and he is lined up on the offense’s right side most often. Although he doesn’t see a ton of passes thrown his way in a run-dependent system, Cephus has made the most of his chances with 24 catches on 34 targets for 353 yards and three scores. His production has been limited the past several games since a big outing in Week 2 vs. Central Michigan, but Cephus is still capable of big plays such as this one two weeks ago against Michigan State. Okudah can shadow and mirror receivers extremely well, often running their routes for them. He’s still learning the feel for off and zone coverage, and the only touchdown he allowed this season — to Michigan State’s Darrell Stewart — looked like a miscommunication along with safety Jordan Fuller. Both defenders initially react to the back leaking out into the flat, but that appears to be Fuller’s man, and Okudah’s hesitation allowed Stewart to gain a step on the skinny post. This is the one touchdown pass Ohio State's Jeffrey Okudah has allowed this season. But there might not be a better man-cover corner in college football now, and this will be one of Okudah’s tougher coverage chores. He most often lines up on the defense’s left side, which should pair him up against Cephus many times in Saturday’s big game. We can’t wait to see how this individual battle turns out.) (10-24-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-clemsons-travis-etienne-still-producing-big-plays-170805083.html
NFL draft winners and losers: OSU's Chase Young, Jeffrey Okudah look like top-10 locks (Buckeyes pass rusher Chase Young had a sack on the third play of the game. Jeffrey Okudah, one of the best cornerbacks in the country, didn’t allow a reception on three targets. Fellow DB Shaun Wade, a do-it-all performer in the Buckeyes’ secondary, broke up a pass and was strong in coverage. RB J.K. Dobbins had probably his finest game in what has been an impressive bounceback season, playing his way into the top-50 range next spring. And on and on … it was a complete performance by a roster teeming with NFL talent. One GM we spoke with prior to kickoff said he doesn’t typically scout the same team in back-to-back weeks but that he might make an exception to go see Ohio State hosting Wisconsin in person next week. In my mind, after speaking with NFL folks and people at Ohio State, Young and Okudah appear to be no-brainer top-10 selections as things stand right now for the 2020 NFL draft. Yes, mark it down in ink: Barring any unforeseen changes to their statuses, they’re both going to be gone in that range. Young isn’t likely to escape the top five, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Buckeyes teammates end up as the first two defensive players drafted.) (10-21-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-os-us-chase-young-jeffrey-okudah-look-like-top-10-locks-182806709.html
College Football: 2019 Midseason All-American Team (CORNERBACK - First-Team CB: Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State. Showing off his ball skills on the true national stage, Okudah made headlines with his interception from his backside against Nebraska, but his other pick on the night was even more impressive. He beautifully read the route from the receiver and ran the out route better than the offensive player to step in front of it for the interception. For the year, he has three interceptions, three pass breakups and is limiting quarterbacks to just a 49.1 passer rating on throws into his coverage.) (10-15-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-midseason-all-american-team
Ohio State football's Jeffrey Okudah, Chase Young make Associated Press Midseason Team (10-15-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/10/ohio-state-footballs-jeffrey-okudah-chase-young-make-associated-press-midseason-all-american-team.html
Okudah has an overall grade of 84.6, coverage grade of 85.5, stops in coverage 6 and 3 interceptions. (10-11-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1182781174332252160
Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook: Jeff Okudah Is Top CB Talent Since Jalen Ramsey (10-11-19): https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2857522-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-jeff-okudah-is-top-cb-talent-since-jalen-ramsey
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 6 (Quarterback Brian Lewerke will be looking to find his top target early and often, but Okudah, one of the nation’s top corners, won’t make it easy for him. Even though he entered this season with zero career interceptions, he has shut down some of the best wideouts in the country and it has caught the attention of NFL scouts. Okudah, the 6-foot-1 and 200 pound cornerback, boasts a blend of length, speed and physicality. Meanwhile, Stewart is strong, has natural hands, spatial awareness, and playmaking ability.) (10-5-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/05/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-6/
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded defensive backs in college football through Week 5 (CORNERBACKS - 2. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State – 89.0 Overall Grade. PFF’s Michael Renner just selected Jeffrey Okudah as his top cornerback prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft, which is impeccable timing for Okudah’s debut on this list. He had a dominating performance vs. Nebraska (90.6 overall grade) with two interceptions, one where sticky coverage allowed him to anticipate the route, and another where he slipped but somehow hauled in a tipped pass while lying on the ground. For the season, throws into Okudah’s coverage are generating a paltry 39.1 passer rating — just sneaking under the 39.6 rating a quarterback would receive for spiking the football into the ground.) (10-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/pro-pff-rankings-highest-graded-defensive-backs-in-college-football-through-week-5
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top five players at each defensive position (CORNERBACK - 1. Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: We liked Okudah’s skill set as a sophomore despite earning only a 71.1 coverage grade for the Buckeyes. He was our third-ranked corner heading into the season, but we wanted to see more ball production. With three picks and three pass breakups through five games, Okudah answered the bell. He’s got ideal size at 6-1, 200 pounds for a modern corner and freakishly quicky feet. There’s not a single thing he can’t do at the cornerback position.) (10-3-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-top-five-players-at-each-defensive-position
College Football Week 5: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (The lesser-known name on the Ohio State defense — although that’s changing — is cornerback Jeffrey Okudah. He was the third-ranked defender on PFF’s most recent draft board, barely edged out by Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa. After his performance on Saturday, that might be changing soon. Okudah picked off two passes, including one lying flat on his back, and he didn’t allow a catch on the day. He has all the traits to be a lockdown man-coverage corner at the next level.) (10-1-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-5-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 5 (Up - Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: The one thing that seemed to be missing from Okudah's game entering this season was ball skills, but he was gotten off to a great start toward erasing those concerns. He made two interceptions against Nebraska on Saturday night to help the Buckeyes blow out the Cornhuskers. Okudah had excellent coverage as a sophomore but no interceptions, and in 2019, he already has three passes picked off. Okudah is putting together a season to show he is a worthy top-20 pick and is a future No. 1 corner in the NFL.) (10-1-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_05.php
NFL Draft: Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State’s dominant new CB1 (10-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-jeffrey-okudah-ohio-states-dominant-new-cb1/
College Football Week 5: Eckrich Big Ten Team of the Week (CORNERBACK - Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: Lying on his back, Okudah had an interception fall into his hands, literally, as that's just how great the Ohio State defense played. He also made another play on the ball that showcased his football instincts, jumping a route and securing a brilliant contested interception. For the day, he was targeted just once, making the interception and chipped in with another defensive stop in coverage.) (9-30-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-eckrich-big-ten-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 5 Eckrich Team of the Week (CORNERBACK
Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State - Lying on his back, Okudah had an interception fall into his hands, literally, as that's just how great the Ohio State defense played. He also made another play on the ball that showcased his football instincts, jumping a route and securing a brilliant contested interception. For the day, he was targeted just once, making the interception and chipped in with another defensive stop in coverage.) (9-29-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-eckrich-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 4: Highest-graded secondaries (1. OHIO STATE -The Buckeyes have had plenty of NFL-caliber talent cycle through their secondary in recent years with five first-round selections coming from their defensive back group in the last four years alone – Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Denzel Ward. Jeffrey Okudah is the most likely member of the current highest-graded secondary to join those ranks, as he came in 10th overall on our preseason top-50 big board for next year’s draft, drawing comparisons to Aqib Talib from PFF Lead Draft Analyst Mike Renner. He hasn’t disappointed to open the season with a coverage grade of 83.1, allowing just over six yards per target and a passer rating of 63.9 on throws into his coverage.) (9-25-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-fotball-week-4-highest-graded-secondaries
Ohio State football's Jeff Okudah relishes first career interception against Miami of Ohio (9-22-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/09/ohio-state-footballs-jeff-okudah-relishes-first-career-interception-against-miami-of-ohio.html
2020 NFL draft: 10 rising prospects to watch (Okudah: All offseason, draft analysts have gushed about the play of corners such as Paulson Adebo and CJ Henderson. Early in the 2019 season, it is already looking like Okudah could be that top guy. A big, lengthy corner, Okudah has the size to match up with any receiver in the country. On top of that, he is an excellent athlete as he was a former 5 star recruit out of high school. He hasn’t recorded an interception yet in this young season but he does already have two pass deflections and a forced fumble through three games. If he continues to lock down receivers and show off his physicality, he will be a near lock for the first round next April.) (9-19-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/19/2020-nfl-draft-rising-prospects-joe-burrow-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
Why Ohio State football's Jeff Okudah says the Silver Bullets aren't quite back yet (However, the Buckeyes found other ways to be disruptive, recording four sacks from four different players and with four players breaking up passes. Okudah turned in perhaps the most impressive example — swooping in to knock down a pass and force third-and-long on FAU’s second series. On the fourth series, he forced a fumble, though the Owls recovered.) (9-5-19): https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2019/09/ohio-state-footballs-jeff-okudah-preaching-finish-against-cincinnati.html
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 1 (Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State (No. 1): The Lions found a stopgap at corner this year, signing veteran Rashaan Melvin to a one-year deal, but that addition did nothing to alleviate the team's long-term need at the position. It's early, so there are still varying opinions about the top of this class, but more than a handful of analysts have Okudah as the No. 1 corner to start the year. Listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, the true junior enters the year with 27 games of experience under his belt. Tough to beat in man coverage, he broke up eight passes last season, including a pair in the Rose Bowl. He'll need to show an ability to pick some of those passes off to validate he's the best pro prospect at his position.) (8-31-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/08/31/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-1/2131134001/
Ohio State Buckeyes: J.K. Dobbins & Chase Young are first-round talents (Damon Arnette and Jeffery Okudah: Damon Arnette and Jeffery Okudah are both legitimate next-level corners who could develop into starters on Sundays. Both possess preferred cornerback size, athleticism and speed. Arnette is a little further along than Okudah as a fifth-year senior, but both possess excellent upside.)(8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ohio-state-buckeyes-summer-grades-pauline/
NFL Draft: Big Ten defensive All-Conference preseason predictions (DB – Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State: Jeffrey Okudah has a legit chance to become this class’ CB1. He’s an excellent athlete, with elite closing speed. He lacks ball production with zero career interceptions, but he does have nine pass deflections. I’m expecting a huge season from Okudah; if he can get his hands on a few interceptions, he’ll have a legit chance to go early in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (8-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-big-ten-defensive-all-conference-preseason-predictions/
Big Ten Preview of the 2020 NFL Draft: Buckeyes continue to churn out first-round talent post-Urban Meyer (CB Jeffrey Okudah: The newest product out of "Cornerback U" is Okudah, one of the top corners in college football entering the 2019 season. Lauded for his excellent feet and ability in man-to-man coverage, Okudah could catapult himself into the first round of the 2020 draft if he continues to excel in zone coverage. He will also improve his draft stock by recording some interceptions, something he has yet to do during his time in Columbus.) (8-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-ten-preview-of-the-2020-nfl-draft-buckeyes-continue-to-churn-out-first-round-talent-post-urban-meyer/
2020 NFL Draft: CJ Henderson headlines the cornerback class (4. Okudah: It seems that the Ohio State Buckeyes have a premier cornerback prospect in every draft class. This year is no different. Jeffrey Okudah, a five-star recruit coming out of South Grand Prairie High School in Texas, is the Buckeyes’ stud corner this season. As my colleague here at Pro Football Network Matt Valdovinos points out in 2020 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St, Okudah’s best traits are his length and closing speed. The physical tools are there for Okudah, but he needs to dedicate himself to improve the game from a mental approach. In 2018, too often, he seemed lost and unaware of his assignment. If he can improve here and exhibit enhanced ball-skills, he could see his draft stock soar. When it relates to the 2020 NFL draft, I see a future top-25 selection in Jeffrey Okudah.) (8-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-c-j-henderson-premier-cb/
Ohio State CB (1) Jeff Okudah is more talented than any CB in last year’s draft class. He has size, twitch, toughness and instincts. He doesn’t have pick production but he can find/play the ball. (7-19-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/1152255622647373825
2020 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio St (7-8-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-propect-jeffrey-okudah/
Ohio State CB (1) Jeff Okudah is more talented than any CB in last year’s draft class. He has size, twitch, toughness and instincts. He doesn’t have pick production but he can find/play the ball. (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/college-football/nfl-draft/player/40007/jeffrey-okudah/news
Jeffrey Okudah was stingy in coverage last season. He only allowed 18 catches on 48 targets. (Lowest catch rate among returning Big Ten CBs) (5-12-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1127547221740797952
No comments:
Post a Comment