Lions' Jeff Okudah Changing Jersey Numbers

In his rookie season with the Detroit Lions, cornerback Jeff Okudah managed to impress the fans and organization alike. While he only started in six out of the nine games that he played, Okudah could be in line for a bigger role and more responsibility in 2021.

Another change for Okudah this season will be the fact that he's switching from wearing No. 30 to the No. 23 going forward. The change was revealed when people noticed that NFL Shop was selling Okudah's jersey with his new number on it.

Okudah wore No. 1 at Ohio State, which is a number only worn by quarterbacks, kickers and punters in the NFL.

The change of numbers may remind Lions fans of another cornerback switching numbers in recent years. Darius Slay, who spent seven seasons in Detroit, also began his career with the No. 30 only to change to No. 23 in his sophomore year. If Okudah can be half as good as Slay was for the Lions, fans are in for a treat.

The Lions drafted Okudah third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. In his first season, he recorded an interception, 2 passes defended and 42 solo tackles. Unfortunately, Okudah underwent a season-ending injury in mid-December to fix a core muscle issue. Lions fans are hoping that everything has healed properly and that Okudah can build on the success from his rookie season.

According to ESPN's depth chart for the Lions, Okudah ranks as the team's top cornerback on the right side. If this stays true when the new season begins, the organization will have high expectations for No. 23

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