Houston Texans cornerback among those with ‘most to prove’ in NFL

The Houston Texans strengthened their roster this offseason, banking on star quarterback CJ Stroud’s production during his rookie contract to build a Super Bowl contender. With star power and strong depth in almost every position group, the Texans cornerback position appears to be lacking.

Houston tried to deal with the problem this offseason, signing in free agency and drafting the position.

Pro Football Focus recently released a list of ten NFL players with “the most to prove” in the upcoming NFL season. Texans cornerback Jeff Okudah was listed, and his disappointing start to a once-promising career was cited as a major reason.

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“Okudah was a clear CB1 in the 2020 draft, even considered by some analysts to be the top corner prospect in several classes,” PFF wrote. “Yet Okudah has been anything but exceptional since entering the league, never finishing with an overall grade above 60.0. The Lions sent Okudah to Atlanta, where he did little better in a year.”

Heading into his fifth season, Okudah’s career has been quite disappointing after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Texans are a great fit for Okudah, though. They need help in the cornerback department and Okudah will have the opportunity to compete for a starting spot.

“The Texans signed Okudah to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million this offseason, looking for depth at cornerback alongside young stud Derek Stingley Jr. Okudah has the opportunity to stake his claim to the role of CB2 if he pushes out rookie Kamari Lassiter — but otherwise, it’s “It’s hard to imagine Okudah getting another opportunity to contribute regularly on defense anywhere,” PFF continued.

This could be Okudah’s last attempt at being a true rotational defensive back, as PFF has alluded to. He’s disappointed with his career thus far, but changing things would be incredibly beneficial for the Texans. They drafted Lassiter to help bolster the position group, and he could easily make a push for the CB2 position after impressing so far this offseason.

The pressure is mounting on Okudah, and the team could easily go in another direction if the duo doesn’t work out.

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