Ex-Buckeyes CB Jeff Okudah Primed for 'Breakout Season' with Falcons?

After being traded to Atlanta, Jeff Okudah will get his "fresh start" with the Falcons, which could be all he needs to become a true defensive force.

Author:
Matt Guzman
Jun 11, 2023 4:20 PM EDT

In this story:

Ohio State Buckeyes

Leading the nation in NFL first-round draft picks is no easy task.

Having league-caliber players is one thing, but for their potential to be seen by all franchises takes a level of skill and development that few college programs possess.

The Ohio State Buckeyes more than possess it, however. Having sent 90 players to the league since the common draft era, they've seemed to master it.

One position, specifically, however, sticks out among the rest. Since 2014, the Buckeyes have sent eight defensive backs to the NFL — and 20 overall — which leads any college program by far.

Their success in developing secondary talent is unrivaled, having earned them the distinction of "DB-U" by many fans and analysts alike, but this year, that name may be set to be further cemented.

After being traded to the Falcons in April, former Buckeye cornerback Jeff Okudah now has fresh scenery, fresh opportunities and a fresh start in Atlanta, which could be all he needs to have a breakout season in the league.

"The Falcons took a chance on Okudah ... [but] unlike in Detroit, expectations aren't sky high," Bleacher Report wrote, naming the cornerback as one of its nine potential breakout players next season. "He doesn't need to be the team's No. 1 corner. He can play opposite AJ Terrell and grow into his role as part of the Falcons' defense."

Injuries have plagued the young star since his entrance into the league in 2020. Soft-tissue problems only allowed Okudah to play nine games in his rookie season, and after recovering, a torn Achilles sank any hope of the corner finding a groove in year two.

Last season, Okudah finally got his chance and showed potential with it. He wasn't the team's top ... anything, but he put his name out there and proved why he was an NFL-caliber secondary defender, recording 73 total tackles, a forced fumble and a pick-six against his former teammate, Justin Fields.

Now, Okudah hopes to realize that potential this season for Atlanta, which would give Ohio State yet another name to brag about being a "DB-U" alum.

“Fresh starts don’t come around often," Okudah said. "I think when you get them, you’ve got to put your best foot forward [and] take advantage of them. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. That’s my mindset every day I step in the building.”

Okudah and the Atlanta Falcons will begin their 2023-24 season on Sunday, Sept. 10 against No. 1 pick Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers.