“In this league, you get guys that are soft-shoed; they press, but not really,” Hockenson said. “He’s going to go up there and jam you. He wants to get his hands on you and play within his bubble, which can be hard for some receivers.”
Okudah’s issues have been health and coverage, where he’s been poorly graded by Pro Football Focus through his 22 starts in Detroit and nine starts in Atlanta in 2023, when he last started an NFL game.
“In his time here, he’s been as diligent from on the field, off the field, training room, weight room,” Flores said. “He’s always looking to do extra film work. I don’t know what happened in other buildings. I know that since he’s been here, it’s been great to coach him.”
“I think he’s getting better,” Flores added. “He’s getting more comfortable with the defense and what we’re gonna ask him to do. And he’s shown up positively, really in every way. I’m excited to watch him continue to improve. I think he’s got a lot of skill.”
Vikings defenders have danced and celebrated their takeaways and stops through two weeks of training camp.
On Saturday, the offense slugged back.