2020 NFL Draft: Grades for all 32 first-round picks
Cornerback. Ohio State. 3. 50. Pick Analysis. Jeff Okudah. player. Scouting Report
Grade: A
While the first two picks were nearly locked in from the get-go, there was some uncertainty about where the Detroit Lions would go with this pick. However, after a number of rumors worked their way around the league, the Lions went with the guy most assumed they would.
Detroit simply needs to get better against the pass, and Jeff Okudah helps them do exactly that. Not only is he a tremendous cover man, but he’s tough against the run and shows excellent instincts no matter what the offense throws at him. Matt Patricia knew his secondary needed an injection of talent, and used the No. 3 overall pick to do so.
Okudah was undoubtedly a Top 5 pick on just about everyone’s draft board. While there were a couple of other options for the Lions at this spot, grabbing the Ohio State cornerback to help slow down gunslingers like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins in the NFC North made too much sense.
The Lions kept the pick, and landed a talent who can make an impact right away. It’ll be a shocker if he isn’t an annual Pro Bowler before long.