Jeffrey Okudah
#1 Overall Cornerback by Football Addicts
Born: —
Height: 6’1
Weight: 200 Lbs
Position: Cornerback
University: Ohio State
About Jeffrey
Jeffrey is from South Grand Prairie High School, which isn’t too far from where I grew up in Dallas. Via 247Sports Okudah was the #1 CB in the Class of 2017, and committed to Ohio State during the 2017 Under Armor All-American game. Ohio State would bring in the 2nd ranked recruiting class of 2017, and includes star players like J.K. Dobbins, Shaun Wade, and Chase Young.
The former 5 star corner would see the playing field almost immediately as soon as he stepped onto campus. During his true freshman year Okudah played in all 14 of the Buckeyes games. Though he would only record 17 tackles and a fumble recover that year, getting playing time as a true freshman at Ohio State is impressive as is.
His sophomore season he would nearly double the amount of tackles recorded (32), and was 2nd in the team in pass deflections, all in one less game played his freshman year (13). Now we are at his junior year, and so far Okudah has lived up to his hype and improved even further.
Eight games into the season Jeffrey already has 21 tackles, three pass deflections and three interceptions. The Buckeyes are sitting at 3rd in the AP Polls, and are regarded by many as the best overall team in College Football. Ohio State’s defense is currently holding opponents to under 8 points a game (7.8), and is Okudah and Chase Young can keep the foot on the gas, it will be very hard to find a weakness in this Buckeyes team.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
With the long arms and 4.3 speed (he has been clocked at over 23 MPH) Okudah possesses, he is a pesky defender in man coverage. You’re never truly open around him because of his athletic ability to make of for space in coverage. In fact, quarterbacks would actually have a higher QBR if they just spiked the ball into the ground than target Jeffrey Okudah. Though he lacks the ball hawking interceptions, Jeffrey still shows the ability to read routes, and jump the ball correctly more often than not.
Ohio State has its fair share of hard hitting corners, example A right here
Okudah can be added to that list. He chases the ball, and isn’t afraid to make a big impact on the ball carrier either.
Weaknesses
Jeffrey needs to turn his pass deflections into interceptions more often, as only has recorded 3 interceptions in his 3 years career and two were in a single game. At the end of the day, he still puts his receivers on an island, but you need the ability to create turnovers to become elite at the next level.
While his man coverage is astounding, he needs to improve in his zone coverage abilities. All his “weaknesses” come with a positive upside of being able to be corrected through experience and coaching.
NFL Draft Projection/NFL Player Comp
NFL Draft Projection
In my past mock drafts I have had Okudah all over the Top 10, but now with the injury to Bryce Hall I think it is safe to say he will easily be the first cornerback taken off the board. He is my 6th best player on my NFL big board, and will probably see his name called in picks 4th-12th.
If Atlanta misses out on Chase Young, then they could still look to draft form the Buckeye well and take Jeffrey very early. My sleeper team would the Lions, especially if things get a little more ugly down the road for them. Darius Slay has continued to pop up in trade rumors, and with Matt Patricia’s use of man coverage; I could see the Lions possibly even make a push up for Okudah come April.
NFL Player Comp
In an article posted by Bleacher Report, an an area scout covering Ohio State told them Jeffrey Okudah has Jalen Ramsey type talent. While his man coverage skills might resemble Ramsey, his combination of size, length, and speed remind me of Marlon Humphrey.
Marlon ran a 4.41 and has over 32 inch arms, which is similarly to how I believe Okudah will test out. It will only be a matter of time before he makes a name for himself, and we aren’t comparing him to anyone anymore.