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Jeff Okudah questions Mel Kiper Jr.’s evaluation of former Buckeye teammate Damon Arnette

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Jeff Okudah wanted an explanation. When the former standout cornerback at Ohio State joined ESPN’s NFL Live this week, he needed to hear Mel Kiper Jr. explain why Damon Arnette, another former Buckeye defensive back, wasn’t considered one of the top players at his position.

With a little over a week until the 2020 NFL Draft commences, Okudah joined NFL Live for an interview. Near the end of the segment, Okudah was asked if he had any questions for Kiper. He had one specific question in mind.

“I do have one question,” Okudah responded. “Why is Damon Arnette not considered one of the top DBs in the draft right now?”

Kiper, who is projected Arnette as a mid-second-round selection, defended his ranking of the former Buckeye.

“He is, Jeff. He’s in the second round right now, there are some that think he could sneak into the late first,” Kiper said. “To play the way he did with the arm and still be out there making plays — he had a heck of a career. So, I had him going in Round 2 of this mock and he won’t have to wait too long, Friday, to hear his name called.”

Currently, Kiper has Arnette pegged as the No. 46 overall pick, headed to the Denver Broncos.

Okudah, however, is much higher on Kiper’s draft board. The draft’s top corner is expected to be taken with the third overall pick next Thursday, behind only LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and another Ohio State teammate, defensive end Chase Young.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB