Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac hasn't been given a real chance to showcase his abilities since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third-round two years ago. A hamstring injury in his rookie year and an elbow injury in his sophomore year have ravaged Isaac's possible opportunities. Thus far, Isaac has played in just four total games and 32 snaps, all in his rookie year.
Unfortunately, Isaac is currently buried on the Ravens' depth chart, as he is listed fifth as the team's fifth-string pass rusher. The offseason additions of Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young are great news for a Ravens defense that struggled mightily last year.
However, these moves set up a difficult battle for Isaac to carve out a role, and Isaac might become expendable when the Ravens have to cut their roster down.
Adisa Isaac will have to prove that he's worthy of a roster spot
It will be vital for Isaac to have a strong showing during OTAs, training camp, and eventually the preseason, or else he will be on the chopping block.
Other unproven players, including Kaimon Rucker (who was on the practice squad last year) and Ethan Burke (who is an undrafted free agent), could leapfrog Isaac with an impressive offseason.
There's also the possibility of the Ravens further bolstering their pass rush by signing a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney, which could, in turn, spell doom for Isaac's chances of making the roster. Even if the Ravens stand pat, Isaac is clearly a fringe roster player.
Isaac entered the league with some level of promise. During his final season at Penn State, he recorded an impressive 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. The hope was that he could provide some quality impact both as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
At 24, he still has some upside, and it's unfortunate that injuries have hindered his career. Regardless, after a busy offseason, Isaac is far from a priority for the Ravens.
If he doesn't shine in the offseason, Baltimore will have no problem cutting ties with him. Whether this is in favor of an unproven talent such as Rucker or Burke, or a proven veteran like Clowney, Isaac being cut feels like a real possibility.
Hopefully, Isaac can prove himself in the offseason and earn some sort of role. Nevertheless, there's no denying he'll face an uphill battle competing against a suddenly loaded Ravens pass rush group.
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