The Baltimore Ravens made a league-high 11 draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including four within the opening 76 selections. Three of those players have developed into high-end starters: Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and Travis Jones. The one question that still lingers is former Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo. It will officially be a make-or-break season for Ojabo in 2024.
Touted as one of the more athletic defenders throughout the 2022 pre-draft process, Ojabo suffered a devastating torn Achilles injury while working out at Michigan's pro day. Despite that guaranteeing to derail Ojabo's rookie season, the Ravens drafted him at No. 45 overall. He was activated off IR but played just 21 snaps.
The belief was that a healthy offseason would lead to a more fruitful sophomore campaign. That wish didn't come to fruition. Despite recording a strip-sack during the Ravens' opening contest against the Houston Texans, Ojabo didn't stay healthy for long. He exited Week 3 with ankle and knee injuries and was placed on IR. Ojabo never returned, eventually undergoing season-ending ACL surgery.
DAVID OJABO WITH THE STRIP-SACK!! 🇬🇧#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/jkrUe2hFwK
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) September 10, 2023
That means the former Wolverines standout has been limited to just six games and 104 defensive snaps across his first two campaigns. Deciding to protect his long-term health could end up being the best decision Ojabo made. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh labeled Ojabo a "breakout candidate" at this year's annual league meetings.
"I think @DavidOjabo is going to break out." pic.twitter.com/IIhX0mSkrs
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 25, 2024
The Ravens leaned on a pair of veterans last season with Ojabo, Odafe Oweh, and Tyus Bowser all nursing injuries. Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney were the saving graces, combining for more than 1,000 snaps and 18.5 sacks. Van Noy signed a two-year extension earlier this offseason, but Clowney joined the Carolina Panthers in free agency and Bowser was released from his contract.
Van Noy was almost certainly retained as Ojabo's insurance. The Ravens also drafted former Penn State pass rusher Adisa Isaac with the No. 93 overall selection. The expectation is that Oweh and Van Noy will begin the season as the two starting outside linebackers. Harbaugh will likely ease Ojabo into the rotation while hoping he can eventually develop into a long-term starter and future solution. Isaac poses a threat to his playing time as well.
Ojabo and the rest of the Ravens are also adjusting to significant coaching staff changes. It feels like everyone on Baltimore's 2023 staff took promotions elsewhere. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive line coach Anthony Weaver became the DC of the Miami Dolphins and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson became the Tennessee Titans' DC.
Inside linebackers coach Zachary Orr was promoted to defensive coordinator. Ojabo's new outside linebackers coach is Matt Robinson, who received an in-house promotion. Ojabo must adjust accordingly, but at least familiar faces will lead the new charge.
Recurring injuries have consistently stalled Ojabo's growth potential. The sky remains the limit through game-changing athleticism and pass-rushing ability. It's now or never for Ojabo, who will be tasked with staying healthy and capturing a starring role this summer.
