2020 NFL Draft: What makes Jeffrey Okudah CB1
By Seth Steere
Ball Skills
Heading into the season this year there were people were raising the question: “does Okudah have the requisite ball skills?” Last season he didn’t force many turnovers, nor did he have many pass deflection and it caused some concern in the draft community.
Personally I wasn’t as worried about his ball skills as most, especially after watching the Rose Bowl game against the Washington Huskies. He made several plays on the ball that only a few could make; his receiver motioned across from left-to-right and since Ohio State was in man, Okudah followed. He had to work his way through traffic in order to make the play on his receiver who ran a quick out and he did so making one of the better plays you’ll see from a corner. We cannot just look at one game and allow it to change our judgment, but it built a foundation heading into 2019.
There’s a lot of buzz regarding the stacked 2020 CB class. Surprised I don’t see much hype for Jeff Okudah.
— Jonathan Valencia (@JonValenciaDTSN) June 24, 2019
Legit athlete, technically refined and OSU develops corners like no one’s business. Had a monster game against UW in the Rose Bowl. pic.twitter.com/aA6ENqvnQy
Okudah has built off of that rock-solid foundation this year by reeling in three interceptions — he didn’t have one last year — and seven pass deflections, one less than last season with at least one more game left to go in the season.
Next. 3-round mock draft to wrap up regular season. dark
Okudah went from being questioned about his ball skills to having some of the best in his class. He is extremely physical at the catch-point and doesn’t allow any easy receptions. If you’re looking for a lock-down corner, Okudah is your guy and if you aren’t drafting in the top-10, perhaps even the top-5, you better get ready to give up some trade value.