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Jeff Okudah (Ohio St.) - 2020 NFL Draft Pick #3 by DET


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Jeff Okudah (2020 NFL Draft)

Jeff Okudah, a standout cornerback from Ohio State, was one of the top prospects heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. Here’s a detailed analysis of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential:

Strengths:
  • Elite Athleticism: Okudah possesses exceptional speed and agility, making him capable of keeping up with the fastest receivers in the league.
  • Physicality: He is not afraid to engage in press coverage, using his physical frame to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
  • Ball Skills: Okudah has demonstrated excellent ball skills, showcasing his ability to make plays on the ball and create turnovers.
  • Instincts: His football IQ is high; he reads plays well and has a knack for anticipating routes, which allows him to position himself effectively.
  • Versatile Coverage Skills: Okudah can excel in man-to-man situations as well as zone coverage, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
Weaknesses:
  • Inconsistency: While generally solid, there were moments of inconsistency in his play, leading to occasional lapses in coverage.
  • Experience: Although he played at a high level in college, some scouts noted a need for more experience against elite competition.
  • Over-reliance on Athleticism: At times, he relied too much on his physical attributes rather than technique, which could be exploited at the NFL level.
Overall Potential:

Jeff Okudah was widely regarded as one of the best cornerback prospects in recent years, with a high ceiling as a future lockdown corner in the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and skill made him a top-five pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions.