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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Sifting through the pre-draft noise

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Jeff Okudah #01 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action in the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Jeff Okudah #01 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action in the Big Ten Championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

8. player. 32. . Cornerback. Arizona Cardinals. Jeff Okudah

If the Panthers pass on Jeff Okudah, I have to imagine that the Cardinals would be ecstatic. The Cardinals have long wanted to fill the No. 2 corner spot across from Patrick Peterson. Yet they’ve been unable to do that.

Last season, the team spent a second-round pick on talented Washington corner Byron Murphy. The rookie was solid, logging 78 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and an interception as a 10-game starter, but he’d be a better fit in the slot for the team. And Okudah would give them an excellent secondary that could help them emerge as surprise competitors in the NFC West.

Okudah was a star on tape for Ohio State last season. As much as Chase Young flashed, Okudah was a key player on the back end of the defense and he logged three picks and nine pass defenses for the Buckeyes en route to an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Okudah has natural coverage skills. He’s not the greatest athlete and had issues during the drills at the combine, but his tape speaks for itself. He should have a chance to become a No. 1 corner at the next level and developing as a starter across from Peterson would be excellent for him.

Between Peterson, Okudah, Murphy, and Robert Alford as a versatile backup, the Cardinals would have all the corner talent needed to make life a bit more difficult for Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jared Goff. If Okudah is on the board here, it’s hard to imagine the Cardinals passing on him.

Other options with the No. 8 pick include an offensive tackle like Tristan Wirfs to play the right side or an athletic linebacker like Isaiah Simmons. But for now, Okudah makes the most sense.

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