Baltimore Ravens first-round pick Odafe Oweh has been a revelation in his rookie year. Coming out of Penn State, Oweh didn’t record a single sack in his final season, but the Ravens saw enough to take him 31st overall.
On his pro-day, Oweh demonstrated frightening athletic ability. He ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, that is unheard of. Not only is Oweh the most athletic lineman in the league, but he is also one of the most athletic and terrifying players in the league.
The Ravens knew that if they found a way to help this incredible athlete improve on his technique, he could become one of the best defensive players this league has ever seen. Oweh was able to create pressure constantly, his issue in college was his ability to finish plays with a sack.
Since his arrival into the NFL, Oweh has improved every week and keeps getting better and better. To the point where teams now have to game plan for him because he can wreck the game in multiple ways.
The most significant play by Oweh was his Week 2 forced fumble on Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire which essentially won the game for his team.
That game was huge for the Ravens and that play will be remembered as the one that sealed the coveted victory over Kansas City.
Odafe Oweh could be what the Ravens have been missing
Oweh has added a completely new dynamic to the Ravens’ defense. The main issue for the Ravens defense last season, was their inability to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As good as the defensive backs were for the Ravens, they couldn’t rush the quarterback.
The importance of Oweh cannot be understated. With three sacks and two forced fumbles, Oweh will be a staple of this defense for years to come. His sack numbers will surely increase as Oweh has 20 pressures thus far, leading all rookies in this category.
The scariest thing about this young man is, he is only scratching the surface.