Jeffrey Okudah
Let’s face it, the Panthers secondary is a mess. The cornerback group is even more so after the loss of James Bradberry in free agency and the maddening sophomore season of Donte Jackson.
A player like Jeffrey Okudah, however, may be here to help.
The Ohio State corner may lack the versatility of Simmons, but it’s obvious as to why many Panthers fans wish for him to fall into their collective laps. This is the #1 rated corner in this year’s draft by a large margin, and much like Simmons, he was also an Unanimous All-American.
Okudah’s stats weren’t extremely flashy (three interceptions and nine passes defensed), but his coverage skills offset this. He’s as complete of a player at his position as I’ve seen thus far from this year’s class. The catch, however, is that a team like the Lions may end up claiming him next Thursday before the Panthers even get on the board.
In the event that this does not happen, however, Okudah could very well be Carolina’s #1 priority, one that is well deserved.
Against Michigan came my favorite play of Okudah’s college career. He’s initially lined up close against the wideout…
…before switching to zone and surveying the receiver in the slot.
Okudah is able to get to the receiver and break this pass up. Now let’s watch as this takes place in full motion.
The Ohio State defense calls out Michigan’s switch concept, so no miscommunication is possible here. Instead of helping to double the wideout, Okudah wisely recognizes the danger the slot receiver presents, keeps his distance until the receiver is targeted, then strikes and disrupts the pass, almost coming away with an interception.
It’s one of my favorite plays from any college prospect from the 2019 season.
Next let’s advance to the College Football Playoff, where Okudah is lined up against Clemson receiver Tee Higgins.
The two trade blows with a lot of hand-to-hand combat…
…but while it appears as if Higgins was able to get a crease of separation on this still…
…he ultimately cannot come up with the catch.
While Okudah was moved a little off balance, he was enough of a force that he was able to disrupt Higgins’ timing with his tight coverage and arm extension at the catch point. He was also involved in a controversial fumble later in the game, but that’s for another time and a different place.
When it comes to the NFL, press corners are highly sought after and tend to have longer careers in the league. Based on what you’ve heard thus far, it should come as no surprise that Okudah is very skillful in the art of press.
His bump on the Miami receiver right off the line of scrimmage sets the tone for the rest of the play.
Because of Okudah’s bump, he’s able to limit the receiver just inside the outer particles of the sideline, giving the receiver very little room to work with. Okudah is also able to keep up with him and nearly comes down with the interception on this play.
When it comes to prospects, Okudah is among my favorites in this class, with excellent technique and enough athleticism to satisfy Panthers fans looking for an immediate upgrade at corner.
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