A number of new faces have raised expectations for the Lions in 2022, but the return of a familiar one could give the team a significant boost in the secondary. Cornerback Jeff Okudah is in line to start the season at full health, which will allow him to occupy the position the team envisioned for him in during the 2020 draft. 
The No. 3 selection in that year’s draft, Okudah’s NFL career has been marred by injuries. He missed seven games as a rookie, then suffered a torn Achilles during Detroit’s season opener last year. That substantial amount of time spent on the sidelines has derailed his development, and led to questions about where he would line up upon his return to health.
In June, it was reported that the team was not considering a position change in the wake of potential mobility concerns. Slated to remain a boundary corner, then, the Ohio State product entered training camp and the preseason with a perceived need to reclaim his starting spot. His summer performances have allowed him to do just that.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed, via team reporter Tim Twentyman, that Okudah will remain a first-teamer when the regular season begins. “I thought he did some good things,” Campbell said after the team’s preseason finale. “I feel like he’s been trending in the right direction now for two weeks.”
Okudah would provide the Lions with an effective 1-2 tandem at the position should he return to form. Amani Oruwariye enjoyed a breakout season in Okudah’s absence last year, posting six interceptions and 11 pass deflections. That performance could land him an extension, though Okudah could be on his rookie deal for three more years if Detroit picks up his fifth-year option.
Much of that decision, of course, will depend on his ability to recover from a major injury and live up to his draft stock. With a starting spot in hand, he will have every opportunity to do so.
Hope he can stay healthy. Been a massive bust so far.
Odd how so many people are expecting the Lions to get better in 2022, as they seem to be struggling to make progress in their rebuild. And until Goff is replaced by someone who can be something more than just a training camp arm they will struggle to win 5 games.
Competitive? Probably not. But better? I’d bet on it. The offensive line may well be top five. St. Brown didn’t get a real shot until late in the year. Williams could be great. Chark could be a nice add. The defense has added some nice talent and I’m curious what a guy like McNeil can do in year two. Goff ain’t the long term answer, but I like a lot of what they’re building.
How do you think they seem off in their rebuild? Are you trolling? Brad and Dan are in year two and almost everyone they have drafted are starting right now. They also made some decent signings in the secondary this offseason that might not be big names but are decent players. I think they are lacking at linebacker and they definitely need an upgrade at QB but they have pieces that are building on and like oooof said, their o line could be top notch and with some luck with Chark and Reynolds it might be a better offense then people think. Not to mention, their schedule is not high on the difficulty level.
He has looked great in the preseason.
I have never watched an episode of Hard Knocks so I didn’t really get caught up in any Lions hype this summer but I do follow football pretty closely and I’m a fan of how this regime is building this team. They are adding tough gamer types who won’t quit when things get bad and the offense could be very underrated. Swift is looking like a very dynamic RB, Amon the Saint has playmaking ability, Hock should be a top 5-10 as he grows into his role and if Chark can bounce back to the kind of player he was in his first couple years in the league with the Jags, Goff will be solid enough behind an improving O line. No Goff isn’t a top half league QB but he’s a vet who can play sufficiently enough to lead scoring drives on a consistent enough basis given the O line and weapons he has. There’s certainly 8-10 facing worse QB situations for the upcoming season. The defense doesn’t have a lit of playmaking ability right now but they will be well coached and they’ll play through the whistle. I think 6-7 wins is where they will settle out.