Assessing Redskins first-round options: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah
By Ian Cummings
Should the Redskins draft Jeffrey Okudah?
If this has to be a “yes or no” question, then I’ll say no. But that isn’t a slight to Okudah, as much as it is an acknowledgment of the strength of other options at No. 2, as well as the relative depth and high quality of the 2020 cornerback class.
Okudah is an excellent prospect with a high floor and an even higher ceiling, but he’s far from the only cornerback in the 2020 class who can contribute on Day 1. There may be potential starting options well into Day 2, and even Day 3, and the Redskins shouldn’t sacrifice that value for an elite prospect at the same position, if they can help it.
It’s worth noting that the Redskins could potentially trade back in the top five or top ten and still get Okudah, thus adding more picks as a result. But given the amount of teams with similar needs at cornerback early, such as the Lions, Panthers, and Jaguars, such a possibility, while enticing and legitimate in its added value, is far from a certainty.
Additionally, having a combination of Chase Young and a mid-round cornerback with upside can be more beneficial, as Young’s pass rushing presence will undoubtedly expedite growth and development for young players in the Redskins secondary.
One thing that was made clear by watching Okudah’s film is just how consistently Young penetrates the pocket with outrageous quickness. Watching Young individually, the speed was there, but less distinct. When trying to watch other prospects, however, Young’s torrid quickness in relation to his surroundings is easy to see, and hard to forget. He’s just so disruptive as a pass rusher, and the Redskins might benefit from his individual addition more than they’d benefit from Okudah’s, not just with talent, but with value as well.
dark. Next. Assessing Redskins first-round option EDGE Chase Young
That said, Okudah has enough athletic potential where he demands consideration at No. 2. As reported yesterday, the Redskins are rumored to want a cornerback with elite, shutdown upside, and if they feel that Okudah is the one man in the 2020 NFL Draft who can provide that for them, then they have a case to make the pick. In doing so, however, the Redskins should not neglect to dig deeper on the 2020 cornerback class. Upside is common this year, and it’s something other prospects could help maximize, for a lesser price.