New Vikings Corner Earns Starter Reps Early
To be sure, there’s risk in getting too enthused about what’s taking place at OTAs, but the new Vikings corner getting some starter reps is notable enough.
Jeff Okudah has had a disappointing career since going No. 3 overall to the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. Coming out of Ohio State, the 6’1″ corner who is a sturdy 205 pounds was supposed to develop into a true CB1, a tremendously valuable component of a team. Instead, he has battled injury and already shuffled around to different teams. Does Okudah finally shine now that he’s with the Vikings?
New Vikings Corner Jeff Okudah & The Starter Reps in OTAs
Start off by giving the mic to Craig Peters of the team’s official website, the one who relays the update about Okudah earning starter snaps.
Peters’ observation: “Veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah was involved early in coverage, lining up opposite of Murphy in a 7-on-7 grouping that also included Pace and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker, Andrew Van Ginkel on the edge, and Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson at safety. (CB Isaiah Rodgers and all-arounder Joshua Metellus were not at the voluntary session). Jay Ward also logged some work in filling in for Metellus.”
Do note, as well, that the defense looked to be in a nice spot when it comes to the mental aspect of the game: “Two things stood out, despite again adding multiple newcomers to the mix and utilizing varied groupings and formations: the smoothness in communication before the snap and the group speed during the plays.”
Brian Flores has put together a sophisticated defense. The simple fact that Jeff Okudah is understanding the scheme well enough to function in May is a positive sign.
Consider, as well, the simple reality of what that means for the current depth chart. Yes, there’s the mention of Rodgers being missing, but Mekhi Blackmon could have very reasonably snagged those snaps since he’s now entering his third season under Flores’ tutelage. Instead, it’s the corner who hasn’t even been around for three months.
Furthermore, Dwight McGlothern could have been an option for those reps since he’s been in Minnesota longer and offers similar size.
Step back a bit to consider some of the discussion surrounding Jeff Okudah.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is a believer in the new Vikings corner, offering some very flattering words for Okudah earlier in the offseason. “Okudah is someone who we signed in free agency,” Adofo-Mensah notes, “that we’re excited about resuming his career. He’s as talented as anybody that got drafted on Thursday or Friday.” Translation: Adofo-Mensah is looking at Okudah as being as talented as any corner who got snagged from Rounds 1 through to 3.
Recently, Okudah met with the Minnesota media, talking about how he’s looking to earn his keep. The corner has a “chip on [his] shoulder” who wants to work hard, as he explains: “come in here, putting my best foot forward every day, and doing everything in my control to earn my keep.” He later clarifies that he needs to “earn my respect” from Minnesota’s many veterans.
Generally speaking, a football player who marries top-level talent with a fantastic work ethic can accomplish plenty, especially since we’re talking about someone who clearly has strong intelligence given that he’s already digesting Flores’ scheme.
Jeff Okudah isn’t making major money, but there’s a key caveat within his contract: the deal is locked in as guaranteed money. The $2.35 million cap charge comes in the form of a $1.18 million signing bonus and $1.17 million in guaranteed salary. The simple suggestion is merely that Minnesota is expecting Okudah on the final roster.
Jeff Okudah, 26, oozes ability and potential. He has battled injury and underperformance in his career, but Minnesota is betting on motivated talent. The early update is a positive one.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and Bluesky (@VikingsGazette). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.
