5 Detroit Lions with big contract implications this year

2. CB Jeff Okudah

Okudah’s first two NFL seasons have been hampered by major injuries, including a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the season in Week 1 last year. When he was on the field for nine games as a rookie, the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft struggled.

The ship has probably sailed on Okudah fully justifying his lofty draft position. But after the draft two years ago Pro Football Focus pointed to his prowess as a man cover corner during his career at Ohio State. If that raw talent remains, it may only be a matter of Aaron Glenn and Aubrey Pleasant molding it into a capable NFL cornerback.

"In man coverage alone, Okudah allowed just 25 receptions from 62 total targets over the last three seasons, giving up just 325 yards and only two touchdowns while coming away with one interception and 13 total forced incompletions. His 61.6 passer rating allowed in man coverage since 2017 ranks 20th among the 131 cornerbacks who saw at least 30 targets in man coverage over that period."

The most critical thing for Okudah this year is getting and staying healthy. Everything else will fall from there, for better (if he plays well) or worse (if he plays poorly). The Lions will have to make a decision on his fifth-year option for 2024 by early May 2023, so there’s where the contract implications come in.