The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL this season. Everywhere you look, there is quality talent ready to take the field. However, some players are still taking time to develop, and one fourth-year pro is running out of time.
Outside linebacker David Ojabo is on thin ice heading into the team’s 2025 campaign. He had the potential to be one of the biggest steals in the 2022 NFL Draft, falling into Baltimore’s laps in the second round at pick 45. However, an injury bug that began with an Achilles tear at Ojabo’s pro day has derailed his career. He finally looks healthy, but as he heads into a contract year, this could be his last chance in Charm City.
David Ojabo could already be on thin ice with season opener ahead
The game of football has been unfair to Ojabo, as he has yet to get a real opportunity to showcase his talent. At every turn, a new injury or different setback has tested him. In 2025, he is at 100 percent, but time is clearly running out.
The Ravens' edge rusher group is one of their deeper positions. Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are coming off career-best seasons, second-round selection Mike Green is one of the most highly-touted rookies in the NFL, and Tavius Robinson is a glue guy on the defensive line. With that kind of talent scattered across the room, Ojabo has become buried on the depth chart. However, he should get chances early in the year.
With Adisa Isaac out until at least the middle of the season with a dislocated elbow, Ojabo found new life, landing on the Ravens’ 53-man roster. He also impressed in the preseason with a sack and three hurries over the three-game slate. Still, it is year four, and Ojabo, even in his healthy stretches, has failed to show consistency. 2025 is the biggest opening in Baltimore’s Super Bowl window, and they would likely have no problem finding a proven option off the free agent market if the former Michigan star cannot produce.
Former Baltimore stars Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney have both seen success even late in their careers and are still free agents. The Ravens could give them a call if they see a need for depth at outside linebacker. This makes it crucial for Ojabo to find a rhythm early in 2025. We are less than a week away from Week 1, and the pressure is already high for a player like Ojabo.