As he hopes to get healthy for a critical season in his career, a list of bold predictions is high on Jeff Okudah’s prospects in 2022.
It’s safe to say his first two NFL seasons have not gone well, but all signs are positive right now as Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah. Head coach Dan Campbell is confident the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft will be ready to go for training camp as he works his way back from a torn Achilles.
Speaking at OTA practice Thursday, Okudah dismissed the possibility he’s a candidate to move to safety to help the Lions fill a need there. That backed up previous sentiment from Campbell.
Jeff Okudah was asked about potentially moving to safety. He said no one has had that conversation with him, he's never played the position at any level and has never even considered it.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) June 2, 2022
How Okudah fits into the Lions cornerback room is a little unclear right now, but beyond Amani Oruwariye no one is guaranteed much of anything in terms of a role. Opportunity is abundant.
Jeff Okudah makes list of 100 bold NFL predictions for 2022 season
To mark 100 days to start of the 2022 season on May 31, Conor Orr of SI.com put together a list of 100 bold NFL predictions. One, No. 39, related to the Lions and predicted they would exceed their win total over-under (6.5 on DraftKings, as Orr cited). But No. 28, also Lions-related, is way more interesting.
"28. Jeff Okudah will revive his career in a significant wayThe former No. 3 pick has played just 10 NFL games in two seasons, which seems to give us the license to label him a bust. False! With a full season under his belt in 2023, the Lions’ patience and investment finally will pay off."
It is too soon to outright label Okudah a bust. But 2022 is an absolutely critical season in his career, and simply getting and remaining healthy will be the most important step in getting on track. Then, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, he can get a better chance to show what made him a top-five overall pick and one of the highest-drafted cornerbacks in league history.
The Lions are certainly hoping Okudah revives his career in a significant way this coming season. Time will tell if things come together in such a way so he will have that kind of revival, however “significant” might be defined.