D.K. Metcalf takes shot at Jeff Okudah: ‘He’s not locking people down’

Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) gets in position for a play against Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Ford Field. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

D.K. Metcalf takes shot at Lions CB Jeff Okudah: ‘He’s not locking people down’

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/1/22

Detroit Lions defensive back Jeff Okudah is finally looking like the shutdown cornerback the team thought it was getting when he was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Through three games, Okudah has held three of the league’s top young receivers in check, limiting Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith, Washington’s Terry MacLaurin, and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson to a combined five receptions and 36 yards.

Jeff Okudah in Year 3 pic.twitter.com/IjMFY9Y1tk
— PFF (@PFF) September 29, 2022

While Okudah is catching the attention of many, Seattle Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf — whom the Lions play on Sunday — admitted he isn’t impressed by Okudah’s hot start.

“There’s a safety over the top of him, so he’s really not locking people down,” Metcalf said recently. “But he’s a good corner.”

Okudah, who will likely shadow Metcalf on Sunday, has played 132 coverage snaps this season, allowing just 12 completions on 17 targets for 106 yards.

He has a forced incompletion percentage of 12, according to Pro Football Focus, with two pass breakups and opposing quarterbacks have a 74.6 passer rating when targeting him. He also hasn’t given up a reception longer than 17 yards.

Conversely, Metcalf, who’s caught 16 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, hasn’t had more than 64 yards in any game this season. In coverage, the 24-year-old wideout has just four catches on nine contested targets.

In his only career game against Detroit in 2021, Metcalf totaled six receptions for 63 yards and three touchdowns.

More must-reads: