Okudah’s strengths
A five-star coming out of high school, Okudah has been locking up the opponent’s best receiver since before he could drive. Now, he’ll take his game to yet another level.
What makes him so special though?
Well, his instincts do. Okudah, who stands 6-foot, 1 inch, allowed just 45 of the 106 passes that came into his territory to be completed, according to Pro Football Focus. They also note that he didn’t allow over 50 receiving yards in a single game.
Playing teams like Clemson, Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State, Okudah locked up some of the nation’s best receivers. His speed combined with his lateral quickness and unmatched agility makes hanging with speedsters easy. Part of that is because of his footwork and technique.
This is teach tape. Short, choppy steps. His feet are light and always underneath him. He has his shoulders over his toes with easy lateral hip transitions, all while keeping his eyes up. Okudah is an absolute stud. Ballerina feet. pic.twitter.com/UO7bKscwRi
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) March 2, 2020
His size and length then helps him defend against other receivers in man-to-man coverage. He’s everything a defensive coordinator wants in a defensive back, and he showed it at the collegiate level.