Lions select Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah in NFL draft

Detroit Lions became first team in more than two decades to take a cornerback in first three picks in NFL draft.

Jeff Okudah seems to merit faith.

Detroit drafted Ohio State standout with third overall pick Thursday night, making him highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from same school by Seattle in 1997.

“It’s a crazy feeling, being drafted that high,” Okudah said. “Obviously, Detroit Lions think a lot about me. It’s up to me to return that and give m all that I have.”

Lions desperately need game-changing talent to help a defense that ranked . 31 in league last season.

Okudah seems to fit perfectly.

6-foot-1, 205-pound Okudah can blanket receivers in man-to-man cover and make tackles to stop run.

“He’s very aggressive at line of scrimm,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. “He’ll play with his hands. He’ll stay square. He’s patient. re’s t a lot of panic down field on some of shots.”

Okudah had three interceptions, all last season, as opposing teams chose t to test him often. He also made 88 tackles, including 68 solo, and defended 21 passes over three seasons with Buckeyes.

“I try to consider myself a technician,” he said. “I try to sharpen my sword every chance I can get.”

Lions were expected to take Okudah if y didn’t trade out of high slot to acquire multiple picks, and teams did t appear to be interested in making a deal.

“We had a lot of conversations,” general manr Bob Quinn said. “We never got a firm offer. team put anything on table. We were open for business and thing was ever put in front of us to evaluate.”

Lions were last in NFL against in pass last season and n traded three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay to Philadelphia last month for draft picks. Signing cornerback Desmond Trufant, who turns 30 in September, after Atlanta released him last month appears to be a solid move even if it is only a short-term solution.

Okudah, who is from Grand Prairie, Texas, enrolled early at Ohio State in January 2017. His mor died shortly afterward following a battle with lymphoma. He watched draft at his aunt’s house near Dallas with his sister, uncle, two cousins and trainers.

Okudah’s mor, he lamented, missed a joyous evening.

“She would’ve been in tears,” he said. “She didn’t really understand football like that, being born Nigeria, but she knew what made me happy.”

Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford brought back Quinn for a fifth year and Patricia for a third year, but made clear contending for playoffs was expectation. two need Okudah to pan out this year and it may help ir job security if some or selections also contribute right away.

“He fits mold of a top-flight corner,” Quinn said of his top pick. “He can cover big guys. He can cover small guys. He can support run.”

Quinn and Patricia are also counting on quarterback Matw Stafford being healthy. He missed second half of last season with a back injury, leading to a nine-game losing streak. 32-year-old Stafford has three years left on his $135 million deal.

franchise certainly has more needs on its defensive line, but re are also voids on offense. Quinn let guard Graham Glasgow go in free ncy, raising concerns about Stafford having eugh time to throw to receivers such as Kenny Golladay.

Detroit went into draft with three picks on Friday, including . 35 overall pick. Lions have nine selections overall, including a pair of picks in third and fifth rounds from Slay trade. y have five late picks to potentially trade up to land a player y covet.