Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo Shows Flash of Potential in Preseason

The Baltimore Ravens got a glimpse of David Ojabo’s potential during the first weekend of the preseason, and it was impossible to ignore. Ojabo delivered one of the most bone-crushing hits of the weekend on a free run at Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was injured on the play. While the hit came off a Colts mistake, it was a reminder of Ojabo’s raw athletic ability and the opportunity he has to secure his future in the final year of his rookie contract.

After playing just 18 regular-season games in three years, the 25-year-old edge rusher is finally healthy. “It is my first true offseason being fully healthy,” Ojabo said Monday. “I feel like myself. I feel confident, and I am just kind of letting it rip. I’m not thinking about rehabbing. I’m just thinking about football. I’m doing good. I want to keep getting better day by day.”

Ojabo’s path to the NFL has been anything but traditional. Born in Nigeria, he moved to Scotland during grade school and then to New Jersey at 17, picking up football later than most. After limited college experience, including a breakout season in 2021 at Michigan with 11 sacks, he suffered an Achilles injury at his pro day, which caused him to drop to the second round where the Ravens selected him. Injuries continued to limit his early professional career, with minimal playing time in his first three seasons.

Playing in the preseason, even in a game where many starters sat out, was a chance for Ojabo to show his speed and physicality. Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized that reps are critical for a player like Ojabo. “He’s not a guy that played a lot of football. He was late to football in high school, might’ve played one year, and really only played one full season in college. Football is a game where the more you play, the better feel you have for it. His upside is really there, and I believe we’ll see it,” Harbaugh said.

Ojabo is not just looking for playing time. Entering a contract year, he is fighting to make the 53-man roster. He isn’t concerned about competition at outside linebacker and is focused on playing fast. “Just being free, going hard, getting a call and just going 100 percent,” he said. “If you hesitate, if you think about anything other than your assignment, you’ll fold. Just playing free and having fun.”

Outside linebacker coach Matt Robinson has noticed improvement in Ojabo during training camp. “I want him to affect the game in different ways, whether it’s setting a dominant edge, being physical, pushing the pocket, and getting his body on the quarterback. We saw steps in the game, and he has more opportunities to prove that going forward,” Robinson said.

Ojabo is still young in football terms, and if he can stay healthy, the Ravens may finally see the athletic playmaker that once made him a first-round projection.