Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah was a popular subject on Thursday. Prior to practice, head coach Dan Campbell offered up an optimistic prognosis for the 2020 first-round pick as he recovers from an Achilles injury suffered in Week 1 of last season.
After practice, Okudah himself fielded questions from the media. And Okudah made it clear he’s still a cornerback — and only a cornerback. While the Lions might be pondering the position changes in the secondary, Okudah is not one of them.
When asked about any potential move to safety, a popular water-cooler conservation piece this offseason, Okudah flatly rejected the notion, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit News:
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
Where exactly a healthy Okudah fits at cornerback remains to be seen. My personal belief is he will be a starting outside CB and move inside to the slot when the Lions move to three CBs. He will have competition outside from last year’s impressive rookie, Jerry Jacobs, and veteran Mike Hughes to start opposite Amani Oruwariye. Second-year Ifeatu Melifonwu, who is indeed getting reps at safety, is also in the mix.