Former Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah, who played for Matt Patricia in Detroit, has found a new home in the NFL.

Former Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah Finds a New Home in the NFL

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the NFL, change is constant. Players are often subject to roster moves, trades, and the unpredictable nature of free agency. Some players enjoy long, successful careers, while others face challenges that lead them to reinvent themselves and find new opportunities. For former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, this is the next chapter in what has been a rollercoaster NFL career. After struggling with injuries and failing to live up to expectations in Detroit, Okudah is now on the move to a new team, looking to prove himself in a fresh environment.

Okudah’s journey to the NFL was filled with promise. As a star at Ohio State, he was considered one of the top cornerbacks in college football. His combination of size, speed, and technical ability made him a top-five pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, despite his immense potential, his professional career with the Detroit Lions didn’t unfold as expected. After a series of injuries and struggles in his first few seasons, Okudah found himself on the trading block, and now, after being traded, he’s embarking on a new phase of his career with a different team.

In this article, we will explore Jeff Okudah’s football journey, the struggles he faced in Detroit, his trade to his new team, and what lies ahead for him in the NFL.

Jeff Okudah: The Rise at Ohio State

Before diving into his professional struggles, it’s important to acknowledge Okudah’s rise to prominence at Ohio State. Born on February 2, 1998, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Okudah was an elite athlete from a young age. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing around 205 pounds, Okudah was a physically gifted cornerback with the rare ability to match his size with speed and agility. His skills were evident from his time at South Grand Prairie High School, where he was a standout defensive player and earned recognition as one of the top recruits in the country.

Okudah’s commitment to Ohio State was a major victory for the Buckeyes, who had already developed a reputation for producing elite defensive talent, particularly at the cornerback position. In his time at Ohio State, Okudah made an immediate impact. Under the guidance of legendary defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, he became one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Okudah played three seasons at Ohio State from 2017 to 2019, earning numerous accolades along the way. His speed, physicality, and football IQ allowed him to shut down some of the best wide receivers in the country, and he was often tasked with taking on the opponent’s top offensive threat.

During his 2019 season, Okudah’s performance reached new heights. He finished with 3 interceptions, 9 passes defended, and 34 total tackles. His stellar play earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors and, perhaps most notably, a spot as one of the top cornerbacks available in the upcoming NFL Draft. Okudah’s combination of athleticism and technical ability put him on the map as a potential first-round pick, and many analysts saw him as the top cornerback prospect in the draft class.

The 2020 NFL Draft: The Detroit Lions Select Jeff Okudah

After a standout college career, Jeff Okudah was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, an unprecedented selection for the Lions in the cornerback position. The Lions had high expectations for Okudah and saw him as a cornerstone piece for their defense. His selection marked a new era for Detroit, as they looked to rebuild their team and develop a secondary that could contend with the league’s best offenses.

The pick also represented a shift for the Lions. At the time, Matt Patricia, the head coach of the Lions, was overseeing the team, and he brought a defensive-minded approach to the organization. Okudah’s selection was part of a larger effort to strengthen the defense, which had been a weak point for the Lions in recent years. Patricia’s coaching background in New England, where he worked as the defensive coordinator, suggested that he would utilize Okudah’s talent to create a formidable defensive unit.

However, things quickly took a turn. Okudah entered the NFL with high expectations, but his journey would be far from smooth.

A Rough Start in Detroit: Injuries and Struggles

From the moment Okudah joined the Lions, his career was plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. In his rookie season, Okudah struggled to stay healthy and was forced to miss a significant portion of the season due to various ailments. Despite showing flashes of his potential, Okudah’s rookie campaign was disappointing overall. He finished the season with just one interception and a pair of pass breakups, not quite living up to the expectations of being the third overall pick.

Things didn’t improve in his second season. Okudah dealt with more injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon that ultimately ended his season after just two games. This injury was a devastating blow for Okudah, as it prevented him from building any momentum and left him trying to regain his form in a new and unfamiliar environment. The injury bug continued to follow Okudah throughout his early NFL career, leaving him sidelined and forcing him to miss crucial development time.

Despite these setbacks, Okudah remained determined to prove that he could live up to the hype. His work ethic, leadership, and desire to succeed were never questioned, but his inability to stay on the field raised doubts about his long-term viability in Detroit. As the Lions continued to rebuild, it became clear that they needed to explore other options to improve their defense.

The Change in Detroit: The Departure of Matt Patricia

In 2020, Matt Patricia’s tenure as the head coach of the Detroit Lions came to an end. After several seasons of underwhelming results, Patricia was fired, and the Lions began searching for a new direction. The firing of Patricia was significant not only because of his coaching record but also because it marked a turning point in the Lions’ approach to rebuilding their defense.

The Lions hired Dan Campbell as their new head coach, and although Campbell is known for his tough, no-nonsense attitude, he inherited a team that had seen a lot of turnover and lacked defensive stability. Under Campbell, the team started to shift its focus to the future, and it became clear that a full rebuild was necessary. As part of that shift, the Lions began to move away from some of the pieces that didn’t fit their new philosophy, and Jeff Okudah’s future with the team was soon questioned.

The Trade: A New Opportunity

In 2023, after a tumultuous few seasons in Detroit, Okudah’s time with the Lions came to an end. The Lions made the decision to trade Okudah, sending him to a new team in search of a fresh start. The trade was a bittersweet moment for both Okudah and the Lions organization. Okudah had shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but injuries and inconsistent play made it clear that a change of scenery might be the best thing for his career.

Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, a team that had shown interest in bolstering its secondary. The Falcons, who were looking to rebuild and develop a more competitive roster, saw potential in Okudah. They believed that, in a new environment and with a fresh start, he could finally live up to the expectations that had surrounded him since his days at Ohio State. The Falcons were hoping that Okudah’s potential could be unlocked with the right coaching, scheme, and development.

What to Expect from Jeff Okudah in Atlanta

Okudah’s trade to the Falcons represents a new chapter in his career. In Atlanta, he will have the opportunity to work with a coaching staff that believes in his abilities and is committed to helping him get back to his best. The Falcons have made significant strides in recent years, particularly on defense, and Okudah’s presence could help solidify their secondary, which has been a focus of improvement over the past few seasons.

One of the key factors in Okudah’s success with the Falcons will be his ability to stay healthy. If he can avoid the injuries that have hindered his previous seasons, Okudah has the physical tools to be a standout cornerback. He is still relatively young at just 25 years old and has the potential to become a key contributor for the Falcons for years to come.

Additionally, Okudah will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players on the Falcons roster, who can help him refine his skills. With a coaching staff led by Arthur Smith, the Falcons have shown a commitment to developing young talent, and Okudah will likely benefit from the team’s overall defensive development.

The Road Ahead for Jeff Okudah

The next few seasons will be crucial for Jeff Okudah as he attempts to revive his career with the Atlanta Falcons. After being drafted with such high expectations, Okudah now finds himself in a position where he must prove that he can live up to the potential that made him a top-five pick. His time in Detroit was defined by injury and inconsistency, but now with the Falcons, he has the chance to start over and show the world what he’s truly capable of.

For Okudah, this could be his final chance to establish himself as a top cornerback in the NFL. If he can stay healthy and make a significant impact in Atlanta, it could not only solidify his place on the Falcons roster but also provide him with an opportunity to continue his career for many years to come.