Ravens news: Baltimore signs first-round pick Odafe Oweh

The Baltimore Ravens are doing everything they can to get the 2021 rookie class established in Baltimore.

On Friday, the Ravens announced that first-round pick, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, signed his four-year rookie contract with the team.

You wouldn’t know it from looking at his collegiate resume, but the 31st overall selection out of Penn State did not take a snap in football until his junior year of high school.

Despite the late start with a pigskin, Oweh became known as one of the most talented edge rushers in the NCAA.

The Ravens have high hopes for Odafe Oweh.

Last season at Penn State, Oweh played in seven games recording 38 tackles with 6.5 of them coming for a loss.

The jump from college to the pros differs from player to player. Oweh has been committed to rookie camp and OTAs during the offseason.

“That’s probably what I’ve learned the most with the Ravens organization — that they pride themselves on trying to perfect your craft, and I’m doing that every single practice, every single second of practice,” Oweh told BaltimoreRavens.com staff writer Clifton Brown.

“Outside of practice, I’m in here early, and we leave late. So, that’s probably what I’ve learned the most.”

The Ravens lost accomplished edge rushers Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free agency. Baltimore needed to fill the void, even if it was to be filled by a rookie. Those could be some big shoes to fill, but Oweh believes he belongs in Charm City.

"“In my mind, I feel like I went right where I’m supposed to be. I don’t feel like I snuck into anything, but I feel like Baltimore is my home, was where I was supposed to be.”"

During his college football career at Penn State, Oweh played 20 games in three seasons, recorded seven sacks, and has two forced fumbles.

The Ravens have signed six of their eight rookies. Third-round picks Ben Cleveland (guard) and Brandon Stephens (defensive back) are the only two that remain unsigned.