The David Ojabo experiment just hasn’t worked out. The Baltimore Ravens were willing to play the long game when they drafted the Michigan standout in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, fully aware he’d miss most of his rookie year recovering from an Achilles tear.
But that long game has turned into three years of injuries, inactive Sundays, and untapped potential. Ojabo’s time in Baltimore has just been one big “what if.”
It’s not like the Ravens haven’t been trying to fix their pass rush either. They’ve seemingly taken a swing at one every year—Odafe Oweh, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, and Ojabo himself all came in through the draft. And while there have been flashes, Baltimore is still looking for consistency and long-term solutions. Oweh has upside but hasn’t quite made the leap. Isaac couldn't get on the field. Ojabo might be on his way out.
Now, the Ravens are doing their homework on another edge rusher with intriguing tools and major upside. According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, Baltimore is one of several teams set to host UCLA’s Oluwafemi “Femi” Oladejo on a Top 30 visit.
Ravens set visit with UCLA pass rusher Femi Oladejo
Oladejo isn’t your typical edge prospect. He spent most of his college career as an off-ball linebacker before shifting to the edge in his final season at UCLA.
And while that labels him as a developmental player, it also means he’s just scratching the surface of what he could become. Oladejo led the Bruins with 4.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his lone year as a full-time pass rusher. His pre-draft stock has simply exploded since then.
He impressed at the Senior Bowl, earning MVP honors for the National Team. He showed out again at the Combine, especially in position drills, where Ravens outside linebackers coach Chuck Smith—aka the sack whisperer—was front and center.
If there’s anyone who could help mold Oladejo into something dangerous, it’s Smith.
2nd sack of the game for Oluwafemi Oladejo! @UCLAFootball
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 1, 2025
📺: @SeniorBowl on NFL Network
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At 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds, Oladejo has NFL size and burst. He’s explosive off the line, flashes quickness to win inside, and plays physical against the run. He’s still learning the nuances of the position—his hand usage is inconsistent, he struggles to counter, and he doesn’t have great bend. That said, the traits are there. It'd be on Smith and defensive coordinator Zach Orr to pull the potential out of him.
If the Ravens are ready to move on from Ojabo, Oladejo could be the next man up. Don’t be shocked if this visit leads to a draft day pairing.