On NFL roster cutdown day, the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with several key players who made waves in the preseason this summer. On Wednesday, a few of those talented contributors were scooped up on the waiver wire, and others made their way to other teams’ practice squads. One rising preseason standout, though, snuck onto Baltimore’s 17-man practice squad.
Third-year nose tackle C.J. Okoye was one of the surprise members of the team’s squad. He is more than talented enough to deserve the spot, but most thought Okoye would land with another team. Although he vastly impressed in training camp and preseason action, the 23-year-old will somehow remain a Raven to kick off 2025, and it could be one of the biggest steals.
Ravens pull off quiet steal, re-sign C.J. Okoye to practice squad
The 23-year-old is still not ready for regular season action. That much was clear in the preseason. Yes, he had moments of dominance, eating double teams and wrapping up ballcarriers with ease, but there were also moments he was stonewalled at the point of attack. He is still new to the position, though, and is learning every day, which has encouraged Head Coach John Harbaugh.
Baltimore could need depth at nose tackle moving forward. John Jenkins will back up rising star Travis Jones in 2025, but he is also 36 years old and on a one-year deal. The end of the road is likely near, and Okoye could offer a high-potential, low-cost option for the Ravens’ defensive line room down the line.
Okoye came to the NFL from Nigeria as a part of the league’s International Player Pathway Program. He played in his first organized football game in the 2023 preseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, notching a sack on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett. Since then, he has steadily improved, and he could have a significant impact in the near future.
Okoye and veteran Brent Urban are the only two interior defensive linemen on the practice squad roster, so if injuries occur or a player like Jenkins fails to stand out, then Okoye could quickly rise up to the active roster.
However, for now, Baltimore will focus on Okoye’s development. He barely has three years of organized football experience, so the future is still very bright for the rising nose tackle.