Jeff Okudah's first two seasons with the Lions were full of anguish. The third is full of hope. The rest of his career is about to begin.
After battling injuries and ineffectiveness as a rookie and missing almost all of year two with a ruptured Achilles, Okudah entered year three playing with the second-team defense in training camp. He entered the preseason behind converted safety Will Harris for the starting cornerback job opposite Amani Oruwariye.
He was one of several unknowns in a secondary that allowed the third highest passer rating in the NFL last season.
"Our secondary going into camp, let’s just be honest, it was a lot of question marks back there, whether it was lack of experience, lack of play time or guys that had some ailments," GM Brad Holmes said Thursday.
Okudah fit all three descriptions. The former third overall pick made just seven starts in his first two seasons. He fell behind the NFL learning curve. He was veering toward 'bust' status, if only because he hadn't had the chance to prove himself. After being carted off the field in Week 1 last season, no one knew how he would bounce back from one of the most devastating injuries in football.
Related
The Lions and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn put Okudah and Harris in head-to-head battle for the No. 2 cornerback job at the start of camp. Harris had the upper hand in the early going. He deserved the first preseason start.
"I appreciate the way Jeff Okudah responded," said Holmes.
It didn't happen all at once. There wasn't a Eureka moment when Okudah suddenly looked like the lockdown corner he was at Ohio State. He still has a ways to go to get back there. But slowly, Okudah started playing better. And better and better. He eventually nosed ahead of Harris and enters the regular season as the Lions' No. 2 corner.
"He was challenged, and he earned it," said Holmes. "We were upfront and honest with him and he didn’t cower, back down or anything. He took it and he earned it. A lot of those questions were answered and it was much appreciated.”
Several questions remain. Namely, can Okudah grow into the No. 1 corner the Lions expected out of a No. 3 pick? It would elevate the club's defense and expedite its rebuild. It would quiet the critics who say Okudah will never be the same. It would reward a player who has rallied from the brink.
"He's dealt with the fire," former Lions safety Glover Quin said this summer.
He has emerged with scars, but without fear. He has grown stronger under the tutelage of Glenn and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. He has sharpened his game and reclaimed his status as a starter. If he can just stay healthy this season, we might finally "see his talent and what made him a No. 3 pick," said Quin.
"It’s in there," said Quin. "He’s just gotta have the confidence to go out and play at that level."