Why Ohio State football’s Jeff Okudah will do the NFL Scouting Combine workouts that Chase Young won’t

Ohio State football cornerback Jeff Okudah displays the dislocated right pinkie finger that results in a different hand width measurement from his left hand at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

Ohio State football cornerback Jeff Okudah displays the dislocated right pinkie finger that results in a different hand width measurement from his left hand at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jeff Okudah held his right hand up with a bemused pride, displaying a previously dislocated pinkie jutting off at a 45 degree angle.

The old high school injury does not cause the former Ohio State cornerback discomfort or affect his play. However, he warned the NFL Scouting Combine personnel taking his measurements that it might skew their numbers.

He was correct — the right hand measured 5/8 of an inch wider than the left.

“You all can say it’s deformed, but it’s part of the game,” Okudah said. “I love all my fingers the same.”

Okudah could probably shut the measurements and testing down at that point. Widely considered the top cornerback in the 2020 draft class and a potential top-three pick, Okudah can only help himself so much with the broad jump and the bench press and even the 40-yard dash.

And if he stumbles or has a glitchy performance in a drill? Maybe he slips down draft boards and costs himself real money.

Okudah made the risk-reward calculation and made the decision with conviction. He plans to go through all of the workouts at the combine.

Teammate Chase Young notably chose not to participate in workouts. He will do position drills at Ohio State’s pro day but will not run the 40-yard dash for time before the draft. Other Buckeyes such as receiver Austin Mack and safety Jordan Fuller will do most drills at the combine but save the bench press for their pro day.

Okudah primarily wants to show how solid his footwork is for a defensive back of his size. However, he sees value in the combine workouts beyond possibly bolstering his draft profile.

“Just being here is a dream come true,” Okudah said. "You go back and you watch some of these combine videos — like for me, I watched Jalen Ramsey’s combine video, Patrick Peterson’s combine video. I want someone down the road to say, ‘Let me turn on Jeff Okudah’s combine video.’”

Okudah speaks with a poise and command that matches his on-field play. He should help himself in formal interview situations with the teams picking at the top of the first round. The Detroit Lions at No. 3 are a common projection for Okudah, after former OSU teammates Joe Burrow and Young go 1-2. If quarterback-needy teams at the top trade up, maybe the New York Giants or Miami Dolphins step up.

While Okudah believes he can showcase his skills in Indianapolis, he remains steadfast in what he has proven already. The Thorpe Award finalist swatted away a question about “sloppiness” that resulted in penalties like it was a lazy pass in the flats.

“I had zero pass interferences, zero holdings," Okudah said. “Cut the tape on it again. I think you might see something else.”

Okudah will show teams a little something else this week, too, regardless of whether it makes a difference on draft day.


Get Buckeyes Insider texts in your phone from Doug Lesmerises, Nathan Baird and Stephen Means: Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with the OSU football reporters, just like you would with your friends. Sign up for insight on the Buckeyes for $3.99 a month quickly by registering below with your phone number.


More Buckeyes coverage

Why Chase Young will not run the 40-yard dash before NFL Draft 2020

As Young’s celebrity grows, LeBron James’ support still humbles him

Should Young’s season-ending sack drought concern NFL teams?

Ohio State football 2020 spring preview: Shaun Wade anchors turnover in secondary

How much did Ryan Day’s buyout increase after his contract extension?

When does Ohio State football begin spring practice, and when is the Buckeyes’ 2020 pro day?

How have OSU players performed at combine? Bench press, 40 times, measurements

No. 23 Ohio State makes fast work of Nebraska in 75-54 win


Buy Buckeyes gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, Lids


If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.