Jeff Okudah is widely praised as the second-best defensive prospect set to enter the NFL Draft, and best overall defensive back. His only competition for overall defensive player is teammate Chase Young, who was was recently awarded the Big Ten’s Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year.
For Okudah though, he did not receive the honor of the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. While Okudah may very well be the best, it was Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr. who was given the award.
Winfield Jr. is a stellar corner. He’s fourth in the nation in interceptions with seven, and those have been a major factor in why Minnesota has just two losses.
However, his numbers are better because he’s actually thrown at. Most quarterbacks choose to run their first read at Shaun Wade or Damon Arnette, two other Ohio State corners that may also be drafted.
Okudah isn’t often targeted. That kills his numbers. While he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, Okudah should’ve been noted as not just the conference’s but the nation’s best corner.
He recently garnered some praise in CBS Sports’ recent mock draft. Selected fourth overall by the Dolphins, columnist Ryan Wilson noted that Okudah was an absolute monster against Michigan.
“Okudah had his best game of the season on Saturday against Michigan, shutting down every Michigan WR he lined up against.”
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Jeff Okudah (@jokudah) is such a special corner. Watch how he reads and squeezes Ronnie Bell’s route in the first play, then dislodge the ball from Nico Collins on the second play. Continues to prove why he’s one of the best in CFB.#WNSFilm pic.twitter.com/PM3r2SNQNh
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) December 2, 2019
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It was shocking. Shea Patterson actually opted to test Okudah instead of just not looking to that entire side of the field.
Okudah has just 20 solo tackles and three interceptions on the year. It’s not a shocker that his numbers are significantly worse than Winfield Jr.’s. Winfield is a viable selection for the award, but that doesn’t make him the conference’s best corner.
We have a feeling the NFL scouts and executives will agree with us when it’s all said and done.
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