2020 NFL Mock Draft: First round projections after Week 1
Ohio State. Jeffrey Okudah. 30. Scouting Report. player. 15. Pick Analysis. CB
The Saints need somebody opposite of Marshon Lattimore in the defensive backfield and Jeffrey Okudah fits the bill. The Saints know first hand how good an Ohio State cornerback could be and after Denzel Ward had a great rookie season there’s not much reason to doubt the Buckeyes right now.
Okudah is just the latest, but not the last, Buckeyes corner to showcase great athleticism and technical skill at the cornerback position. Unlike Ward though, Okudah has the desirable size for the position. He’s over six feet tall and only has question marks surrounding his consistency, which is to be expected. He makes flash plays but can go rogue at times and fail to make a simple play on the ball.
He hasn’t proven much on the field either, having recorded zero interceptions in his career. This year will be big for him. Maybe he goes back to school, maybe he balls out and goes much higher than this. Only time will tell.
The Saints have the luxury of drafting on defense here because the offense is well established. They even have a plan at quarterback for after Drew Brees retires. The upside available with Okudah here is worth the risk.