Miami has the roster situation to consider Okudah after the draft.
The Dolphins have gotten into the habit of signing journeyman cornerbacks in recent offseasons. Why not Okudah next?
Advertisement
Dolphins could review a veterinary CB bet
Okudah has no free agent offers to date.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine pushes forward with the ball as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah approaches the defense during first-half action on Sept. 21, 2025, at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The play highlights Okudah’s efforts in coverage and run support during a physical matchup early in the season. Mandatory credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
SI.com: Okudah to MIA makes sense
Tyler DeSena SI.com He recently evaluated Miami’s next wave of free agent options, and Okudah’s name got a mention.
He explained: “The third overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Jeff Okudah, was the prototypical outside cornerback: solid size, strong athleticism and top-notch production at Ohio State. However, as is the case with some players on this list, injuries have largely prevented Okudah from reaching his full potential.”
“He missed most of his rookie and sophomore seasons due to injuries, and suffered a concussion that landed him on injured reserve last season. Okudah has appeared in just 12 games over the past two seasons, but with Miami’s huge need at cornerback, and the fact that he would likely only make minimum salary, a chance against the former Buckeyes star would be very low risk.”
Advertisement
DeSena also mentioned players like running back Khalil Herbert and EDGE Clelin Ferrell.
Dolphins CBs
How would Okudah fit in Miami? Here’s a look at the Dolphins’ cornerbacks through mid-April:
Pound for pound, that’s the worst cornerback unit in the NFL. In that sense, it makes sense why Okudah could be in play for the Dolphins. In fact, he would have playing time.
DeSena also mentioned free agent CB Martin Emerson as an option: “Martin Emerson Jr. played in 50 of a possible 51 games from 2022-2024, but after tearing his ACL last July, he missed the entire 2025 season. The former Browns third-round pick started 12 games in 2023, when Cleveland had the No. 1 defense in terms of total yards and passing yards allowed.”
Advertisement
“Emerson recorded 14 pass deflections and all four interceptions of his career this season. At 6-2, 201 pounds with 33½-inch arms, Emerson has a lot of athletic potential and, at only 25 years old, it would be wise to at least call up the four-year veteran and check on his recovery.”
Okudah in 2025
Okudah struggled to find his footing in Minnesota, as injuries hampered his performance and opposing teams frequently targeted him with success. Consequently, his career has deviated significantly from the high expectations set when he was a top-three pick in the 2020 draft.
The consistent skills at Ohio State that made him such a promising prospect have been elusive, giving the Vikings little incentive to re-sign him, suggesting his career may be in rapid decline.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah addresses reporters during mandatory minicamp on June 10, 2025 at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. The session captures Okudah speaking after practice, offering insight into his preparation and his role within the defense during offseason workouts. Mandatory credit: YouTube.
In total, Okudah played 93 defensive snaps last season in six games, posting a horrible 146.5 passer rating against and a ridiculous 32.4. Focus on professional football qualification. It’s not ideal.
Advertisement
The Draft Options at CB for Miami?
Fortunately for Miami’s sake, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has seven picks in the Top 100. It’s not unreasonable to predict two or three new cornerbacks from that allocation.
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane makes a stop on a play against Louisiana Tech during first-half action on September 6, 2025 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The sequence shows Delane physically interacting at the point of contact, limiting yards against a tight end in an early-season matchup. Mandatory credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.
Here’s who is in play for the Dolphins at cornerback in the Top 100:
-
Mansoor Delane (LSU | R1)
-
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee | R1)
-
Avieon Terrell (Clemson | R1)
-
colton hood (Tennessee | R2)
-
Chris Johnson (San Diego State | R2)
-
Brandon Cisse (South Carolina | R2)
-
D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana-R2)
-
Treydan Stukes (Arizona|R2)
-
Keionte Scott (Miami-R2)
-
Keith Abney II (Arizona State | R3)
-
Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State | R3)
-
Julian Neal (Arkansas-R3)
-
Chandler Rivers (Duke | R3)
-
Malik Muhammad (Texas | R3)
-
David Moore (Florida | R4)
-
Daylen Everett (Georgia-R4)
SI.comAlain Poupart recently drafted Delane to Miami, noting, “I can hear it now, a lot of fans are shaking their heads at not accepting Bain in this spot. This is simply a matter of the Dolphins not being in a position to take risks early in this draft because of where they are as an organization and Bain’s short arms represent just that. Delane is a safe prospect with a high ceiling who should be a starter for years to come at a key position.”
Advertisement
Miami also needs wide receivers after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and releasing Tyreek Hill. Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson are popular mock draft candidates in Round 1.
Okudah will turn 28 around the Super Bowl next year.