2020 Chargers draft targets: Jeff Okudah
Trade-Up target No. 2: Jeff Okudah
Ever since Trevor Williams‘ unfortunate injury and release, the Chargers have been mediocre at the cornerback spot opposite Casey Hayward. Michael Davis, while having moments of promise, has been inconsistent and has been on the receiving end of too many penalties. The same can be said about inconsistency when it comes to Brandon Facyson.
Why not pair Hayward with the best cornerback in the draft? That would be Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. A truly elite man coverage corner with incredible athleticism, he’s drawn comparisons to elite NFL talents like Patrick Peterson and Jalen Ramsey. He would take an already elite defense to the next level in the secondary, especially if the Chargers can get fully healthy years from James and Adrian Phillips.
Out of these three possible trades up, this may be the hardest one to execute. Mostly because Detroit seems close to a lock to take him based on the consensus on most mock drafts. Speaking of pairings, if they got him they could put him with Darius Slay.
Trading up from six to three? It has some precedent. Okudah could easily fill one of the holes in the defense, and the athleticism he displays on plays like this makes it incredibly intriguing to see him paired with some of Gus Bradley‘s other toys on defense:
This video perfectly illustrates why Jeff Okudah is the best cornerback in the #NFLDraft.
Okudah baits the QB into thinking he has an open target, while also avoiding traffic created by the other Washington receivers.
Using his athleticism, he makes a terrific play on the ball. pic.twitter.com/SJuLEs7hFL
— Cole Topham (@HamAnalysis) January 26, 2020