2020 NFL Draft: 5 first-round targets for the Carolina Panthers

4. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State 

Yes, I know Okudah will likely be gone by No. 7, but there is a way that he could fall to the Carolina Panthers. There have been numerous rumblings that the Detroit Lions could actually take Tua Tagovailoa and have him sit behind Matt Stafford for a year before taking over. It may not be the most likely scenario, but it is not impossible.

In this scenario, the Carolina Panthers would be able to fill a big hole at cornerback by taking the former buckeye Jeff Okudah. In many ways, Okudah is a perfect prospect. He has amazing physical traits as well as the IQ needed to understand his position in the NFL.

At times, I see a young Darrelle Revis who relied on great technique and his competitive toughness instead of his speed. Like Revis, Okudah plays his position with an understanding of what routes his man could run. It’s almost as if he is running the routes for the receiver.

In comparison, Revis had great instincts and eyes which would allow him to see both the receiver and the quarterback. This is where Okudah could get in trouble, but he does have the makeup speed for the rare occasion where he gets beat. He needs to be more consistent with seeing both the ball and his man. In no way am I saying that Okudah could be the next Revis, but I am saying that his ceiling is as high as he wants it to be.

With more coaching and discipline, Okudah has a chance to be one of the best cornerback prospects to hit the NFL in a very long time. He is physical and likes to tackle and get involved in the run. Okudah had nine passes defended and three interceptions in his final season at Ohio State.