Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: Pinpointing five logical first-round targets

Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

If the Detroit Lions stand pat and make their selection at No. 3, Ohio State cornerback Jeffrey Okudah stands out as an obvious choice. Okudah is an extremely talented cornerback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. The NFL does not typically value the cornerback position this highly in the draft, but that is going to change. It is incredibly valuable to have a legitimate shutdown cornerback on the outside and Okudah can undoubtedly be that guy.

The Lions already have Darius Slay at cornerback, but he is 29-years-old and will be a free agent after the 2020 season. Slay is great, but if they take Okudah, they get one season with two elite cornerbacks and then move forward with Okudah leading the way.

Okudah is an incredibly smooth and athletic cornerback prospect. He fights hard at the line of scrimmage, mirrors opposing receivers extremely well and breaks on the ball quickly. Okudah is a legitimately elite man-to-man defender who also shows strong instincts and playmaking ability in zone coverage.

There were ball skills concerns about Okudah heading into this season, but his three interceptions and nine passes defended answered those questions. Okudah tracks the ball in the air extremely well and is a dynamic playmaker when given the opportunity.

When it comes down to it, Okudah is one of the most talented and valuable players in the 2020 NFL draft class. He would immediately fill a position of need for Detroit and would undoubtedly be a worthy value selection at No. 3.