The Lions’ defense has made a significant addition this offseason with the selection of Aidan Hutchinson in the draft. The return to full strength of another recent highly-touted pick could provide another boost to the unit.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah is currently with the Lions during the team’s OTAs as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles. While progress is being made on that front, the team is eyeing training camp as the point at which he is able to resume a full workload, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit News.
The 23-year-old suffered the injury in Week 1, ending his second NFL season essentially before it started. He was also limited to nine games as a rookie, so he has had a limited opportunity to showcase the skill set which made him the No. 3 pick in 2020. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism that Okudah will be able to recover in full by July.
“We’re not worried about Jeff’s movement skills” he said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “You watch him, with his footwork and the things that he’s doing, he can do all that… When the time’s right, to go full-speed when we get him in camp, he’ll be ready.”
With concerns lingering about the Ohio State product’s mobility after the injury, where Okudah lines up upon his return remains an important question. On that point, Rogers reports that neither a position change to nickel corner or safety “is being immediately considered” right now. That would leave Okudah on the outside, pairing him with 2021 standout performer Amani Oruwariye as the team’s top corners.
Okudah is currently limited to participating in walkthroughs with the team. While he has yet to set a firm date by which he is hoping to be back to full strength, he echoed Campbell’s optimism with respect to availability in the near future.
“Best way to describe it, I’m going to be ready when it’s time to be ready” he said. “I’m confident in that.”
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