Background-
Jeff Okudah: 6-1, 205lbs
Ohio State
Former unanimous 5 star recruit out of Grand Prairie, Texas. An early enrollee to Ohio State after being ranked as 247Sports #1 corner in 2016. As a reserve, tied for the team lead in PBUs during his sophomore campaign. As a junior, was named first-team AP All-American, first-team All-Big-Ten, and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Communications major.
Combine Results-
| 40 Yard Dash | Bench Press | Vertical Jump | Broad Jump |
| 4.48 | 11 | 41 | 135 |
2019 Stats- 13 games, 38 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions and 9 pass deflections.
Strengths-
Footwork-
Elite footwork which allows him to be patient at the line of scrimmage. Every step remains on balance which allows him to mirror receivers with relative ease. Will utilize a slight backpedal while maintaining leverage forcing the receiver to make their move first off the LOS. In off coverage, can effectively click and close on throws underneath to tight ends or backs. Reactive when screens are to his side or when runs break outside in his direction.
Coverage Versatility-
Ohio State forces their corners to play multiple different coverages/techniques. Press man is where he makes his money, excellent mirror skills to erase receivers from the play completely. Capable playing off coverage where he can read and react to what’s in front of him. Experience playing in both cover 2 zone and man, routes guys the correct direction in this coverage. Used as a cover 3 boundary corner where he was effective playing bail tech. With Shaun Wade on the field, OSU didn’t need Okudah to play inside but showed well when motioned into the slot. Has experience playing both LCB and RCB and can be tasked to travel with the opposing teams top target.
Closing ability-
Athletic profile to be left alone on an island without help. Long strider who makes up ground in a hurry. Takes good angles to the football. Several instances on tape where his footspeed made up for miscommunications or blown assignments by teammates. Excels at fighting through the trash on drag routes. Showed instincts to fight through rub routes and pick plays. Incredible length flashes at the catch point where he routinely rakes the football away from receivers.
Weaknesses-
Only one year as a starter at the collegiate level. Failed to register an interception in either of his first 2 years and finished with only 3 career interceptions. Would like to see him use his length to his advantage with more regularity, particularly in press coverage. Can be a little grabby at times, got away with a couple holds that should have been called penalties.
Projection-
Confident corner who should be a day 1 starter in the NFL where his physical gifts combined with man coverage skills make him an asset for any team. Offers everything you could want at the position with his blend of speed, length and silky-smooth footwork. Scheme versatile corner but teams would be doing themselves a disservice by making him into primarily a zone corner, let him play press man and reap the rewards from it. Possesses one of the highest ceilings in the entire draft class and should become one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks sooner rather than later. Okudah is a prospect that you can build your entire defense around.
Final Grade: Top 5 Prospect
Games Watched: Michigan (2018), Washington (2018), Michigan State, Michigan, Clemson
References: ohiostatebuckeyes.com, youtube.com, collegefootballreference.com
