Cornerback Jeff Okudah’s first two seasons with the Lions haven’t gone as expected, but he’ll have a big chance to change that this year.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said after Sunday’s preseason finale that Okudah has earned a starting cornerback job ahead of Amani Oruwariye. Okudah had been listed behind Will Harris on the team’s starting depth chart this summer.
“I love where Jeff is going, I love how he’s risen to the challenge,” Campbell said, via ESPN.com’s Eric Woodyard . “He answered the bell. He wasn’t afraid of the competition, he went after it and I’d say he’s earned a spot.”
Okudah was the third overall pick in the 2020 draft, but a groin injury and a torn Achilles meant he finished his first two seasons on injured reserve. The hope in Detroit is that he will be on the field and more productive this time around.