Ravens: 4 rookies who could earn starting jobs in 2021
By Justin Fried
3. Odafe Oweh, OLB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens used their second of two first-round picks on Penn State standout Odafe Oweh. And despite little production to speak of in college, he’ll be tasked with playing an important role early in his NFL career.
Baltimore saw the likes of Yannick Ngakoue, Matt Judon, and Jihad Ward depart in free agency leaving their pass-rush rotation incredibly thin.
The selection of both Oweh and fifth-round pick Daelin Hayes helps matters, but the battle for playing time at the outside linebacker position should be a fierce one this summer.
Veteran Pernell McPhee still has something left in the tank, but is nothing more than a rotational player at this point. Former third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson has been a major disappointment in Baltimore.
The recently re-signed Tyus Bowser figures to play a sizable chunk of snaps early on, but don’t count out Oweh filling a starting role as well.
A former four-star recruit and basketball star, Oweh is still relatively new to the position and, while he has the athleticism and raw traits to become a standout pass-rusher, he remains very raw as an overall talent.
But the opportunity will be there for Oweh to earn snaps. If he impresses in training camp, don’t be surprised to see the 22-year-old in a starting role before long.