Falcons CB Jeff Okudah Trade Scouting Report: 'He Busted His Ass'

After being selected No. 3 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, cornerback Jeff Okudah likely didn't anticipate his tenure with the Detroit Lions lasting only three seasons.

But that proved to be the outcome Tuesday, as Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round pick, fresh off a season in which he started all 15 games he played.

It was the first campaign of Okudah's career in which he was largely healthy, and the 24-year-old provided glimpses of why he was selected so highly three years ago.

So, why did the Lions ultimately opt to deal Okudah? Coach Dan Campbell explained on the Rich Eisen Show.

"Look, we knew we wanted to upgrade the secondary (this offseason)," Campbell said. "We felt pretty good with the additions that we made, and we really felt like, man, at this time, this is probably the best thing for us and for Jeff. New change of scenery, give him a fresh start."

Okudah uses the same trainer, Oliver Davis, as several of the Falcons' defensive backs - including A.J. Terrell and Dee Alford.

The former Ohio State standout is comfortable in Atlanta, eyeing it as a favorable destination, and will be given every chance to start opposite Terrell in 2023.

Across 25 games (22 starts) in Detroit, Okudah logged 124 tackles, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 passes defended.

But perhaps most importantly, Okudah, who wasn't drafted by Detroit's current regime, left his mark on the new coaching staff for the way he handled his business off the field.

"Man, I appreciate Jeff," Campbell said. "Jeff was a pro, he came to work, he busted his ass, and he worked at it. You know, he was coming off an injury last year, and we just felt this was the right thing to do right now."

Should his fifth-year option not be picked up as many expect, Okudah is entering the last year of his rookie contract and will hit the free agency market next offseason.

As such, Detroit could simply be getting ahead of that - but it's Atlanta's gain, as Okudah has the talent and pedigree to be one of the better No. 2 corners in the league should he reach his ceiling.

But far beyond any on-field impact, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has spoken at length about prioritizing culture in every move ... and Okudah certainly seems to check that box.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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