With a retooled roster, renewed urgency, and questions lingering on both sides of the ball, the Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 season chasing more than a playoff redemption. They aim to reclaim their identity as one of the AFC’s most feared contenders.
Armed with Lamar Jackson’s dynamic play-making ability and bolstered by savvy offseason moves, Baltimore heads into training camp balancing hope, pressure, and expectation in equal measure.
Why Is A Ravens’ Second-Round Pick Now Fighting for His Roster Spot?
David Ojabo was supposed to be Baltimore’s next great pass rusher. The second-round pick from 2022 had all the tools: explosive athleticism, untapped potential, and the pedigree of a Michigan defender who terrorized Big Ten quarterbacks. But three seasons later, Ojabo finds himself fighting for his NFL life in a crowded Ravens edge room that no longer has space for projects.
The Ravens have long been known for their ability to identify and develop defensive talent. From Terrell Suggs to Matthew Judon, the franchise has built a reputation for cultivating edge rushers who thrive in their system. When they selected Ojabo, it seemed like another promising chapter in that legacy.
Ojabo’s journey to the NFL was anything but conventional. Born in Nigeria and raised in Scotland, he didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school. His meteoric rise at Michigan, where he recorded 11 sacks in 2021, made him a projected first-round pick.
However, a torn Achilles at his Pro Day changed everything. Even knowing he would miss most of his rookie season, Baltimore took a calculated risk on Ojabo, betting on his long-term upside.
Marlon Humphrey wants this defense to take on the identity of dominant Ravens defenses of past years. pic.twitter.com/dOFfGjAOJA
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 20, 2025
The early returns on Ojabo have been mixed. Injuries limited him to just five games over his first two seasons. Even in 2024, when he finally stayed healthy and appeared in 13 games, his production remained modest. He logged only two sacks and was a healthy scratch multiple times.
How Did the Ravens’ Edge Room Become So Crowded?
With the Ravens’ edge room now crowded by Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, and second-round rookie Mike Green, Ojabo’s role has become increasingly uncertain.
According to PFSN, Ojabo has been named a potential cut candidate heading into the 2025 season. The Ravens’ depth at outside linebacker and Ojabo’s limited impact have placed him squarely on the roster bubble. While his talent is undeniable, the team may prioritize players who have shown more consistency and potential in recent seasons.
“Ojabo faces steep competition for playing time in the Ravens’ edge rusher room. Robinson outperformed him last year, and Isaac was a third-round pick just last year. Factor in Green, the Ravens’ second-round pick who had 17 sacks in college last year, and Ojabo projects as a likely cut candidate in 2025,” remarked PFSN’s Jacob Infante.
For Ojabo, the spotlight has shifted from draft-day hype to an uphill battle for relevance. With the Ravens not lacking in pass rushers and roster decisions approaching, Ojabo will need to have a standout training camp to prove he is more than just a developmental prospect. If he falls short, he may have to establish his worth in another city.
