The most overrated player from each Chicago Bears divisional rival
Chicago Bears Rival – Lions’ most overrated player: Jeff Okudah, CB
We are heading into year three of Jeff Okudah’s career and what does he have to show for it? Okudah was the third-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since entering the NFL, Okudah has only started seven games and only played in 10. It’s too early to call him a bust, but when a player struggles to see the field after being selected that high in a draft, that word starts to quickly linger. Chicago Bears fans should have no problem understanding this concept after Kevin White.
Is it possible though that Okudah just isn’t as good as we all thought he was going to be? I was not thrilled when he was selected by the Detroit Lions as I am not one to enjoy seeing top-level prospects land on teams within the NFC North. However, prospects do not always work out and as of now, Okudah is easily overrated.
When you look at the last two years, injuries tell a big part of the story, but not the full story. In his rookie season, Okudah missed time in the offseason and did not see the field until Week 2. During that season, he finished with one interception and 47 combined (41 solo) tackles. In 2020, Okudah only played in one game and tore his Achillies.
Although the sample size may not be big, what we do know is that Okudah’s advanced stats are not good. He has allowed over 75% of the passes thrown his direction to be completed and quarterbacks are averaging well over a 115 QB rating. If Okudah cannot straighten things out this year, his career is looking to be awfully bad.