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5 bold predictions for Detroit Lions in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Running back D"u2019Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Lions 46-25. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - Running back D"u2019Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Lions 46-25. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Lions predictions, Jeff Okudah
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18: Keelan Cole #84 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball after a reception against Jeff Okudah #30 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the game at TIAA Bank Field on October 18, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

3. Jeff Okudah will become a legitimate No. 1 corner

Okudah’s rookie season was shockingly inconsistent for a No. 3 overall pick. His final season PFF grade of 42.5 accurately depicts him as one of the worst full-time starters in the NFL at his position from the 2020 season.

A full offseason should do wonders for the former Ohio State star. Okudah simply didn’t play with any confidence last season. The Lions only need to rebuild the mental side of his game if they want to have a potential star cornerback on their hands.

That’s easier said than done, but Okudah’s talent is too prodigious to ignore. He’s got an elite combination of size and speed to work with. The Lions’ new coaching staff needs to work hard to simplify the game for Okudah in 2021. If they do that, they should be able to get his career back on track.

Detroit fans should expect some more bumps in the road for Okudah early in the season, but he’s going to cement himself as a legitimate No. 1 option during the second half of the 2021 campaign. He’s a building block for the Lions’ future despite his nightmare rookie season.

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