Okudah after battling groin injury as a rookie: 'I have a different level'

Jeff Okudah is finally close to full health after battling a groin injury for the majority of his rookie campaign.

The Detroit Lions cornerback, selected third overall in last year's draft, missed seven games in 2020 and played through pain in several others. With a disappointing season behind him, he's ready to rebound as a sophomore.

"It just feels like I have a different level that I wasn't able to kind of tap into last year," Okudah said, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "But I feel like this year just kind of moving around now and not having that pain in my groin anymore, it just feels like a different level so I'm excited to ... get with (secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant), craft it up and see what it turns out to be."

Okudah underwent surgery in December, ending an inconsistent rookie year that saw him log 47 tackles and one interception while giving up a handful of big plays in coverage.

As the Lions are set to open their offseason program this month, the young cornerback said he feels great and will have no restrictions when he takes the field.

"I'm definitely trending towards 100 (percent)," Okudah said. "I think that's a testament to the staff that the Detroit Lions have and me and (trainer) Tom Colt we put in a lot of work, (head trainer) Dave Granito, this offseason, every single day just getting after it. I'm definitely thankful that was I was able to stay and get a chance to work with them."

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