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It’s been a while since we fired up the Jeff Okudah hype machine. In a normal season, we would’ve had rookie minicamp to help hype up this draft class, but without it, it’s been a little too quiet.
Thankfully, the fellas over at The Athletic did a little film study of the Lions’ first-round draft pick, and it’s fair to say they both came away quite enamored by Okudah’s talent. Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke both watched nine Ohio State games from last year and compared notes on Okudah’s play.
I’m not going to spoil all of the things Baumgardner and Burke said about the third-overall pick, but I think it’s fair to say both came away even more impressed than initially thought.
Here are a couple of interesting quotes from the duo, but be sure to head to The Athletic for their full breakdown of Okudah’s play.
Baumgardner:
“I’d challenge anyone to find large stretches of Okudah’s 2019 campaign that featured any signs of boredom or sloppiness.”
“Health has to cooperate, but Okudah has a chance to be a true lockdown CB in the league.”
Burke:
“In terms of playing coverage on the outside, Okudah is one of the most advanced cornerback prospects to come along in recent memory. “
- The Lions released a video showing and explaining all the health measures they are taking to keep their facility safe this summer.
Chief of staff Kevin Anderson talks about preparations for the reopening of the Lions practice facility in Allen Park. pic.twitter.com/8jkleRiMeK
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 11, 2020
- Lions defensive tackle Nick Williams is making sure to put in the extra work—including private meetings with defensive line coach Bo Davis—to make sure he doesn’t fall behind learning the scheme.
- Looking to score some awesome Lions swag while giving to a good cause? Fredi the Pizza Man is running a raffle to raise money for Autism treatment with some great prizes:
How to help #FrediThePizzaManFoundation for #Autism
— Fredi Bello “The Man” (@FrediThePizzaMn) June 7, 2020
BUY RAFFLE TICKETS
Billy Sims jersey signed by @RealBillySims
Matthew Stafford
TJ Hockenson provided by the Detroit Lions. The TJ ball was signed the day after he was drafted.
DETAILS ▶️ https://t.co/X3rqyMrRoz pic.twitter.com/O807bvxrQ9
- Quintez Cephus’ college wide receiver coach, Ted Gilmore, compared the new Lions wide receiver to Jarvis Landry, a player he scouted hard when working with the Oakland Raiders back in 2014.
- It looks like minicamps are officially cancelled for 2020—at least in June.
Clubs have the option to extend their virtual offseason program for another two weeks, or discontinue after this week, which a bunch of teams are doing. The NFL and NFLPA continue to work together on remaining protocols to create a safe reopening for training camp.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 11, 2020
- CBS’ Josh Edwards listed T.J. Hockenson as one of 22 players ready to make a Year 2 jump in 2020.