Jeff Okudah 5th-year contract option value is revealed

The NFL released the 5th-year contract option values for the 1st rounders in the 2020 NFL draft including Lions CB Jeff Okudah

One of the decisions facing the Detroit Lions this offseason is the longer-term fate of cornerback Jeff Okudah. Like all other first-round picks from the 2020 NFL draft, Okudah has a fifth-year option in his rookie contract that is at the club’s discretion to exercise.

We now know the value of that fifth-year option for Okudah. The NFL released the values of the options, which are based on positional franchise tag values and certain playing time and accomplishment benchmarks.

For Okudah, he failed to earn any Pro Bowl berths or hit the playing time escalators, thanks to an Achilles injury in 2021. That leaves his option value for the 2024 season at $11,514,000.

Detroit has until May 1st to choose to exercise the option.

No matter what the Lions choose by the deadline, which hits right after the 2023 NFL draft ends, Okudah is under contract in Detroit through the upcoming season. Not exercising the option doesn’t necessarily mean Okudah will be done in Detroit after the 2023 season, either.

Not having the option picked up doesn’t rule out the player and team reaching an agreement on a different extension or a free agent deal once the rookie contract is done, though that’s not something that commonly happens. Likewise, teams are free to move on from players whose options they do pick up, a la Baker Mayfield with the Browns in 2022.

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Ohio State has raided the state of Texas in the Tom Herman era

A look at each of the top recruits who left Texas for Ohio State. The elite talents who chose another program over the Longhorns.

There has been plenty documented about the Ohio State Buckeyes‘ success at recruiting in the state of Texas since the beginning of Tom Herman’s tenure in Austin. In the three years of recruiting before Herman arrived, Ohio State didn’t have a single one of the top 10 players in the Lone Star State. The downfall technically started under Strong, but Herman has failed to stop the floodgates from opening.

Continue reading “Ohio State has raided the state of Texas in the Tom Herman era”

National media give Lions glowing reviews for Okduah pick

A collective look at the national media’s instant draft grades and why they gave the Detroit Lions glowing reviews for Jeff Okduah pick.

In the days leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions seemingly talked to anyone who would listen when it came to moving up to the number 3 pick. But when no team made an offer, Lions general manager Bob Quinn took the top player left on his board, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah.

Here at Lions Wire, we gave the pick an “A+.” And the reviews from the national media were almost just as positive

Starting with ESPN, the worldwide leader believes that the Lions got “good value” and filled a “pressing need” with the Okudah selection:

The Lions get a good value and fill a pressing need. They allowed an NFL-most 284.4 yards per game and tied for last in interceptions with seven last year. They traded their best corner in Darius Slay to Philadelphia, and Rashaan Melvin signed with Jacksonville. While they signed Desmond Trufant to a two-year deal, he didn’t play at a high level in 2019 and isn’t considered a No.1 like Okudah.

Pro Football Focus was also a big fan of the pick, calling it “absolutely the best move” for the team:

Since they didn’t trade back — as some rumors were suggesting — taking Jeff Okudah was absolutely the best move for the Detroit Lions. He can play in any scheme you ask, but my goodness is he stingy in press-man coverage. Okudah allowed under half a yard per coverage snap in press coverage in 2019 and didn’t allow a single explosive play (both of which are by far the best marks in the 2020 draft class). As we at PFF have said in the past, Okudah is the Michelangelo’s David of cornerbacks. He was built for the position, and he’s going to fit like a glove in Matt Patricia’s man-heavy defense.

USA Today’s Draft Wire gave the selection an “A”:

Trading down was their ideal scenario, but the Lions still get a shutdown corner to replace Darius Slay.

The Ringer was a big fan of the Okduah selection as well, giving the Lions an “A-” grade (though the site did fault the Lions for trading down, perhaps without realizing that no trade down offers came the Lions’ way):

The Lions didn’t hide their desire to trade down but apparently couldn’t find a deal to their liking. Instead, they took Okudah, the player most people had projected to go in this spot. The former Buckeye brings a scintillating blend of foot quickness, explosive speed, agility, and all-around playmaking talent. He’s got good size, is physical in press coverage, mirrors easily in man-to-man looks, and is measured and methodical in half-turn coverage. And importantly―particularly with Darius Slay now in Philadelphia―Okudah is a game-ready starter from day one and brings Pro Bowl potential early in his career. I’ve got to ding the Lions slightly for failing to secure a workable trade-back option (especially since they likely would’ve had a shot to land Okudah a few picks later), but it’s tough to fault them for grabbing one of the best players in this draft.

Sports Illustrated also liked the pick, but perhaps not quite as much as the others.  SI had lots of praise for Okduah, but gave the pick a “B+” grade:

No team played more man coverage than the Lions last season, which is a philosophy that head coach Matt Patricia brought over from New England. In that same vein, Patricia also puts a huge emphasis on matchups, having specific corners travel almost everywhere with specific receivers week after week. You must have a true No. 1 corner to consistently do this. What reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore has brought to New England, the Lions hope Okudah will bring to Detroit. He’s a slightly different style of corner than the physical Gilmore; what scouts liked most about Okudah is he has the agility to mirror wide receivers. The Lions, who like to have multiple safeties helping in coverage, often instruct their corners to play in the low hip pocket of their man. Okudah shined with that at Ohio State. The only negative here is Detroit GM Bob Quinn probably felt he could get a quality corner a few picks later in the draft, but he did not get an enticing enough package to trade down.

One of the lowest grades was from Pete Prisco of CBS Sports.  He thought the Lions should have passed on Okduah and drafted Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown instead.  He gave the Okduah pick a “B”:

I think they should have taken Derrick Brown. When in doubt, take the big guy. I don’t think you can pass on big people that play like Derrick Brown.

The ‘what I would do’ Lions mock draft for 2020

The ‘what I would do’ Lions mock draft for 2020 from Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon

We’ve all seen the mock draft projections about what everyone thinks will happen. For this edition, I’m stripping away the reality component. This one is all about what I want.

In this version, I’m grabbing my bat and pretending I’m Bob Quinn, lording over the teleconference and calling the shots from what serves as Allen Park for the weekend.

I’m not reinventing the Lions here. This is a draft designed with Matt Patricia as the coach in mind, because if I’m really Bob Quinn I know that if Patricia can’t get it done, I’m looking for a new job with him.

1st round: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Joe Burrow and Chase Young are off the board as the Lions go on the clock. My goal here would be to try and trade back a handful of spots and still land the best remaining player on the board, Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah. I’m not trading back any farther than what I perceive to be the lowest I can still get Okudah, which is probably the 6-7 overall range.

I’d consider DTs Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw in a trade back, but it would have to be a great deal. Tristan Wirfs as a right tackle holds significant appeal in a move back as well. But Matt Patricia’s defense is built upon having great coverage above all else, and there hasn’t been a better CB prospect than Okudah in a long time.

To determine realistic player availability, I ran 10 simulations with The Draft Network’s machine. If a player was available at the pick five or more times, I considered him available. I ruled out all others. 

2nd round: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Epenesa wins as a pass rusher on technique, power and football IQ. All are incredibly well-developed for his position already. Sounds like Trey Flowers, eh? Imagine having two bookends on either a 3- or 4-man front that can win inside or outside thanks to their power-to-speed style and versatile ability.

The one area where Patricia has really implemented being “multiple” on defense is on the line. Epenesa is a perfect piece to add to that front. He’s ready right out of the box and upgrades the pass rush significantly.

3rd round: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

Shenault is a top-25 player on my personal big board. Landing a younger, faster version of Anquan Boldin in the third round is a no-brainer. Shenault has some legit durability concerns, but his ability to win short over the middle bit also deep down the sideline definitely make him worth the risk at the third pick of the third round.

3rd round: Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana

Hunt plays tackle like a street fighter with a 2 x 4, nasty and powerful and intimidating. He’s 6-5 and 336 but he can move well and has good balance. Hunt played tackle in college and could in a pinch for Detroit, but his NFL home is at right guard. He should be a very good one right away.

4th round: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State

I profiled Evans earlier this offseason and still strongly believe he’s a perfect fit for the Lions offense. I’m not even considering a running back before this point, and the quality of RBs still on the board here justifies it.

5th round: Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky

Another versatile weapon, Bowden is a quicker-than-fast wideout who also happens to be very fast. The ability to make defenders look incompetent in space is something he does very well, and he can do it from the slot or out of the backfield. Bowden takes over the J.D. McKissic role and brings the upside of taking over for Danny Amendola as the slot receiver in 2021 and beyond.

5th round: Raequan Williams, DT, Michigan State

Williams can play the nose tackle position as either a 0- or 1-tech and play it very well. He can 2-gap but will really thrive at soaking up blocks and freeing the LBs to fly around and make plays. Williams is a powerful tackler on the interior with some ability to bull-rush and collapse the pocket from the inside.

6th round: Bryce Huff, EDGE, Memphis

Huff made the cut as the sixth-rounder in the previous “A pass rusher for every round” and I still like the fit. I prefer to roll the dice on high-upside athletes more than high-floor pluggers in the final two rounds. Huff could be an impactful situational rusher right away. Just as easily he could be on three different practice squads by the end of 2021. In the sixth round, I’ll buy that lottery ticket.

7th round: Nathan Rourke, QB, Ohio

My draft, my choices, my quarterback. I’m a proud Ohio Bobcat and watched Rourke do great things as a dual-threat passer in Athens. He’s smart, accurate on the move and can unleash the deep ball. I envision Rourke in Detroit the way the Saints have deployed Taysom Hill, a backup QB who can get on the field on special teams and as a gadget player. “Air Canada” is worth the bottom-of-draft flyer.

Could the Raiders trade up for Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah?

Could the Raiders trade up for Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah?

Outside of wide receiver, there isn’t a more significant need for the Raiders than at cornerback. In fact, you can even make an argument that cornerback is a bigger need for the team as the Raiders have more options currently at the receiver position than they do in the secondary.

The team brings back Trayvon Mullen, but he is just a second-year player who could use some help. Fourth-round pick Isaiah Johnson will be in the conversation, but he is still learning the position after converting from receiver not too long ago.

The expectation is that the Raiders will use on of their two first-round picks to address their cornerback need. However, there is a decent chance that two cornerbacks are picked before their first selection, which could force their hand into picking a receiver first. But one possibility that hasn’t been discussed enough is the Raiders moving up for Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah.

For most of the draft process, it was assumed that Jeffrey Okudah would be the Lions pick at No. 3. But over the last few weeks, the odds of Okudah being the No. 3 pick has dropped significantly. On BetMGM, Okudah’s draft position is set at 4.5. It’s also worth noting that his odds to be the No. 3 pick sit at +125, which is a steep drop from what they were a few weeks ago.

That is significant because if Okudah isn’t drafted with the No. 3 pick, it’s not hard to see him falling to pick No. 6 or No. 7 or even further. And if you believe Peter King of NBC Sports, he bets that nearly 40 percent of teams have Florida cornerback CJ Henderson ranked ahead of Okudah.

If Okudah were to fall outside of the top-five selections, then a trade-up for the Raiders to acquire him becomes much more realistic. For instance, the Raiders could trade picks No. 80 and No. 81 to move up to pick No. 7 or No. 8 fairly easily. For a cornerback that is widely viewed as a “can’t-miss” prospect, that’s not that steep of a price to pay.

If the Raiders were to complete a trade like this, they would still have the No. 19 selection available to address their wide receiver need. The thought of pairing Okudah with Trayvon Mullen has to be enticing for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden.

Be sure to monitor where Okudah falls in this draft. And if the Lions pass on him at No. 3, don’t be surprised if the Raiders start calling teams ahead of them as they could look to acquire the All-American cornerback.

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Jeff Okudah the odds-on favorite to be the No. 3 pick

Jeff Okudah the odds-on favorite to be the No. 3 pick

Still filling out your final mock projections for the 2020 NFL Draft? The smart money says to write down Joe Burrow at No. 1, Chase Young 2nd and then plus in Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah as the No. 3 pick.

It makes sense. The Detroit Lions hold the 3rd pick and sorely need a legit No. 1 cornerback. Okudah is incredibly well-regarded and ready to start right away. He’s the projection in over 90 percent of the over 50 mock drafts we’re tracking for the Lions within the last week.

Based on the odds here from BetMGM sportsbook, Okudah has nearly a 50 percent chance to be the No. 3 pick.

Remember, the odds here are strictly for the No. 3 pick, not the Detroit Lions and who they pick. That’s why QBs Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert are next up in the odds. It’s strictly about the slot, not the team.

Interestingly, Auburn DT Derrick Brown is next up, followed by Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons. Offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs is the only other player with more than a 1 percent chance of being the pick at No. 3.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

2020 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers team preview

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Carolina Panthers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Matt Rhule

General Manager: Marty Hurney

2019 Record: 5-11

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (7)

2 (38)

3 (69)

4 (113)

5 (152)

6 (184)

7 (221)

TEAM NEEDS

Linebacker

The sudden retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly left a hole in the middle of the Panthers defense. Addressing that spot early on in the NFL Draft will be key for Carolina and new head coach Matt Rhule. It wouldn’t hurt for them to take more than one linebacker in this class. The top of the list is Isaiah Simmons who could play a hybrid linebacker-safety for the defense.

Cornerback

Top cornerback from the 2019 season James Bradberry left to the New York Giants through free agency leaving a hole for the defense. Ross Cockrell who was also a free agent from the 2019 season remains unsigned. The dream scenario would be Jeffrey Okudah sliding outside of the top five to allow Carolina to swoop in and snag the top cornerback of the class. CJ Henderson is also another viable option as he is seemingly gaining momentum as the NFL Draft approaches.

Safety

Probably a need that is likely addressed on day two of the NFL Draft, safety is also a concerning need for this team. The back seven could use some attention and with targets such as Ashtyn Davis, Antoine Winfield, Jr., Xavier McKinney or one of the small-school prospects. There are plenty to choose from. The team did sign Tre Boston to a three-year deal, but they could use depth and an eventual starter.

TOP TARGETS

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Jeffrey Okudah | CB| Ohio State

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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2020 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars team preview

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Jacksonville Jaguars fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Doug Marrone

General Manager: David Caldwell

2019 Record: 6-10

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (9)

1 (20)

2 (42)

3 (73)

4 (116)

4 (137)

4 (140)

5 (165)

5 (170)

6 (189)

6 (206)

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive Line

The interior of the defensive line in Jacksonville leaves a lot to be desired. They had issues on the inside against the run for the latter part of the 2019 season. The Jags’ defense needs to upgrade the defensive tackle position to help stiffen up against the run. Derrick Brown of Auburn should be a top target for the Jags.

Tight End

The team added Tyler Eifert in the offseason but he has his own issues with availability. Last season Eifert appeared in 16 games for the first time in his career and the most since 2015 when he played in 13 games. The team can’t bank on him staying healthy for all 16 games. Although there isn’t a first round worthy tight end, day two is a spot to begin looking for one.

Cornerback

The team is looking to upgrade the position since trading away former first-round pick Jalen Ramsey. Currently their projected starters are Rashaan Melvin and DJ Hayden. The team could definitely use more than one cornerback most likely and plenty of selections available to address it.

TOP TARGETS

Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

Austin Jackson | OT | USC

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

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2020 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins team preview

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft

Everything Washington Redskins fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Ron Rivera

General Manager: Dan Snyder

2019 Record: 3-13

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (2)

3 (66)

4 (108)

4 (142) compensatory

5 (148)

7 (216)

7 (229)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

Washington currently deploys a pass rush duo of Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan. The latter is coming off his worst season of sack production in his entire nine-year career. As he approaches the latter part of his career, Washington could use a young talent to be the future pass rusher. A young talented edge rusher the likes of Chase Young could be a cornerstone for the franchise as they try to climb out of the doldrums of the NFC East, a spot they have held down for the most part of the last decade.

Offensive Tackle

Many thought that they found their franchise quarterback with the selection of Dwayne Haskins. If that is indeed the case then the team needs to find a way to protect him. Trent Williams has obviously played his final game for Washington so they must address the blindside spot. They added Cornelius Lucas in the offseason but the former undrafted free agent is on his fifth team since 2014. They will have their choice of tackles if they pass on Chase Young with their first pick at second overall.

Wide Receiver

The team hit the jackpot with a mid-round selection of Terry McLaurin out of Ohio State. Now the focus needs to be on finding another receiver who can be a playmaker across from him. In a passing league a team needs more than one or two options. CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy can really help improve this team. Passing on Young wouldn’t be exactly smart but both would be worthy selections. They will have plenty of receiver optios by the time they pick in round three.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

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2020 NFL Draft: New York Giants team preview

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything New York Giants fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Joe Judge

General Manager: Dave Gettleman

2019 Record: 4-12

2020 DRAFT PICKS

1 (4)

2 (36)

3 (99)

4 (110)

5 (150)

6 (183)

7 (218)

7 (238)

7 (247)

7 (255)

TEAM NEEDS

Edge Rusher

The most likely to be the top need is edge rusher. The Giants need to find a way to get to the quarterback with Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott in the division. They have tried going the free agent in the past but for this season they need to find a way to upgrade their defensive front and it starts on the edge. While it remains unclear which route they will take on the defensive scheme, the team shouldn’t overthink it if somehow Chase Young makes it to them at four. Young is the best talent in the draft and if the Giants want to rebuild this team it starts with him.

Offensive Tackle

One of the top priorities for Gettleman and first-year head coach Joe Judge needs to be finding someone to protect their young quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones was sacked 38 times a year ago. The team brought in Cameron Fleming who was a swing tackle in Dallas to reunite with now offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. They could use an upgrade at right tackle to team with Nate Solder. If Chase Young and or Isaiah Simmons are gone by pick four then the Giants would have their pick of the best offensive tackle available.

Linebacker

The team really needs playmakers at all three levels of the defense and it is no different at linebacker. They currently deploy Blake Martinez and David Mayo in the middle but adding a player the caliber of Isaiah Simmons can only strengthen this team. Given the fact that Simmons is so dynamic, he doesn’t have to play one specific spot on the field. He can help at linebacker or play a variation of a backer-safety-nickel corner hybrid for this defense.

TOP TARGETS

Chase Young | Edge | Ohio State

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

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