In a stunning revelation, AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton has recently argued that the Detroit Lions should seriously contemplate reuniting with the talented cornerback Jeff Okudah. Payton’s bold statement has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the Lions’ decision to part ways with Okudah in the first place.
Okudah, a former first-round draft pick, was once hailed as a defensive prodigy with immense potential. However, his time with the Lions was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, leading to his eventual departure from the team. Payton, however, believes that Okudah’s true potential has yet to be fully realized and that giving him another chance could prove to be a game-changer for the struggling Lions.
The argument put forth by Payton is not without merit. He highlights Okudah’s exceptional athleticism and natural talent, which initially made him a highly sought-after prospect. Payton suggests that with the right coaching and support system, Okudah could flourish and become the shutdown cornerback the Lions desperately need.
While some may dismiss Payton’s claims as mere speculation, it is worth noting that he has a proven track record as a reputable sports analyst. His insights and predictions have often been spot-on, making him a trusted voice in the industry. Therefore, his endorsement of Okudah’s potential return should not be taken lightly.
As the Lions continue to search for answers to their defensive woes, it may be time for them to seriously reconsider their decision to let go of Okudah. The cornerback position remains a crucial aspect of any successful team, and Okudah’s skills could be the missing piece to the Lions’ defensive puzzle.
Only time will tell if the Lions’ front office will heed Payton’s advice and give Okudah another chance to prove himself. But one thing is certain – the football world will be watching closely to see if this bold move could turn the tide for the struggling franchise.
The Detroit Lions have made a significant change in their organization with the departure of their last first-round pick, cornerback Jeff Okudah. Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. However, there is speculation that the Lions should consider bringing him back in free agency.
According to AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton, Okudah may not be a starting corner in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute to the team. Payton suggests giving Okudah a second chance as a depth player. With several cornerbacks set to become free agents, the Lions need to address their cornerback depth.
Okudah was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft but struggled with injuries and underperformed during his time in Detroit. He spent last season with the Falcons after being traded for a fifth-round pick. Payton acknowledges that Okudah is not the big splash addition the Lions need at cornerback but believes he could be a valuable backup and part of a rotation.
The Lions recently hired Deshea Townsend as their defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Townsend has a history of getting the best out of his players, and Okudah has two years of experience with the coaching staff. It would be interesting to see Okudah work with Townsend and Aaron Glenn again.
In the 2023 season, Okudah showed promise in his first four games back from injury but struggled when he took on a starter’s role. He had a Pro Football Focus player grade below 50 in five of his last nine games and didn’t play in two of Atlanta’s final five contests. Overall, Okudah had 44 combined tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 pass defenses in 13 games.
If the Lions want to improve their secondary in 2024, they can’t rely on Okudah to play more than half of the team’s defensive snaps. Last season, he played roughly 68% of the team’s defensive snaps when he was dressed. If the Lions do re-sign Okudah, they will need to make another impactful addition at cornerback.
The Lions have been connected to potential free agent cornerback Jaylon Johnson from the Chicago Bears, but the chances of signing him are low due to the franchise tag. They are also considering first-round cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, with Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry being a popular choice in mock drafts.
It remains to be seen if Okudah fits into the Lions’ offseason plans. However, it is likely that the team will make a more impactful addition at cornerback before making a decision on Okudah’s future.
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According to the Source heavy.com