No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah has agreed to terms with the Lions on his rookie deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Per the terms of his slot, the cornerback will earn just over $33.5MM over the course of his four-year deal with a $21.9MM signing bonus. 
The Lions’ affection for Okudah was hardly a secret in the build up to the draft. After all, the Ohio State product filled the team’s greatest need, after they shipped Darius Slay to the Eagles. There were other draft crushes on the board, like Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown and Clemson standout Isaiah Simmons, but they couldn’t let Okudah pass them by.
“I would put Okudah down as the safest [defensive player in this draft],” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said before the draft. “I know exactly what position he plays, I’ve seen him play that position against elite competition and I’ve seen him play at a very high, consistent level. To me, Okudah is the safest.”
There aren’t many knocks on Okudah, and the experts say that his ceiling is sky high. In the long run, he has the tools to become one of the league’s better cornerbacks. He also figures to shore up the Lions’ D right out of the gate, with support from Desmond Trufant, Justin Coleman, and Darryl Roberts.
Here’s the full rundown of the Lions’ draft, via PFR’s tracker:
1-3: Jeffrey Okudah, CB (Ohio State): Signed
2-35: D’Andre Swift, RB (Georgia): Signed
3-67: Julian Okwara, OLB (Notre Dame): Signed
3-75: Jonah Jackson, G (Ohio State): Signed
4-121: Logan Stenberg, OL (Kentucky): Signed
5-166: Quintez Cephus, WR (Wisconsin): Signed
5-172: Jason Huntley, RB (New Mexico State): Signed
6-197: John Penisini, DT (Utah): Signed
7-235: Jason Cornell, DE (Ohio State)
The Lions could have an underrated secondary. If Okudah lives up to the hype, he joins a proficient #2 in Trufant, a decent nickel in Coleman, and a solid reserve in Roberts. According to PFF, Detroit’s safeties (Harmon and Walker) were reliable as well. If only the linebacking corps weren’t so disappointing (Looking at you, Jarrad Davis)
Davis was a half and half linebacker last year. But he was likely their best year.To your point, he is not good in coverage at all. But against the run, he rates very well. He can also pass rush if necessary, which is important in Patricia’s scheme (from the A gap, that is). Those linebackers are more common, sure, but I don’t think he’s entirely useless.
Detroit could use another linebacker and EDGE defender more than anything currently. Will Okwara do that? At either position? We’ll see.
Hes gonna be a great player on a last place team.
I think the additions of Collins and Ragland, and the continued progress of Reeves-Maybin will complement Davis’ game this season—provided there is a season.
Are we sure about this “in love” narrative? They didn’t even trade the Nos. 3, 67 and 111 picks, as well as a 2021 third-round pick, in exchange for the second overall pick.
In the absence of a receptive trade partner, one stays put. You can “force” a team to be a willing trade partner as Mike Ditka did so many years ago to get Ricky Williams.
Sorry Rich, I attempted a clever joke about Mitch and the Bears. Not your fault, but like a Trubisky throw to the left, I guess it went over everyone’s head.
Great news! GO LIONS!