During his podium time at the 2020 NFL Combine, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, who has been linked to the Detroit Lions in several mock drafts, didn’t mince words on his feelings.
One of the topics he was asked about was his budding friendship that he and Lions Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay are building, and what the advice that Slay has given him has meant.
“It’s big, because, in high school and college, I was always watching Darius Slay and trying to emulate the things he does,” Okudah said. “He’s a great player, plays with great technique, and makes some amazing plays.
“His nickname is Big Play Slay, like how much better does it get than that? Being able to reach out and talk to him, use him as a resource, really shows the kind of guy he is. Because, he doesn’t have to talk to me, honestly.”
When asked about the possibility of Okudah being drafted by the Lions and teaming with Slay on the field, he appeared excited about the opportunity.
“Magical,” Okudah said. “I think it would be magical. I think it would be really tough for that division (NFC North).”
It’s been well documented that Slay wants more money, and is coming into the final year of his contract. While the Lions are trying to negotiate a deal that works for both sides, they have also been open to the possibility of trading Slay.
Now, with the wrench that Washington Redskins coach Ron Rivera may have thrown into the proverbial NFL Draft gears after hinting that the team may possibly be looking at one of the top quarterbacks, it’s easy to see the Lions leaving Round 1 with a top defender from Ohio State — either Chase Young or Okudah.