Sunday open thread: How long until Jeff Okudah becomes Lions CB1?

The Lions took Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft knowing that he would be able to step in as a starter on Day 1. The Lions also signed Desmond Trufant in free agency to make up for the loss of Darius Slay. With Trufant’s experience and Okudah being a rookie, history would suggest that Trufant will probably serve as the Lions’ CB1 for the time being.

In fact, our fearless leader, Jeremy Reisman, published his best guess at Detroit’s current projected depth chart and listed Trufant as the No. 1 corner for the Lions.

For now, I’m giving Trufant—a seven-year veteran—the official title of CB1, but that can certainly change in a hurry when you spend the third overall pick on an elite talent like Jeff Okudah.

The hope is obviously for Okudah to eventually turn into the number one guy for Detroit, but it doesn’t make sense to force him into the role if they don’t have to.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

When will Jeff Okudah earn the role of CB1 for the Lions?

My answer: I might be in the minority, but I think Okudah could win the job as early as Week 1. Trufant isn’t the same player he once was and has been on a downward trajectory the past couple of years. It might be tough for Okudah to get up to speed like a rookie normally can, do to the coronavirus outbreak, but I still like his chances.

As a head coach/defensive coordinator, you want to match your best corner against your opponent’s top wide receiver. I think even as a rookie, that might be Jeff Okudah for the Lions. Time will tell, but I could see him moving to the top of the depth chart sooner rather than later.

Your turn.