Ravens' once-fading draft pick suddenly reenters mix after teammate’s injury setback

The Baltimore Ravens have several recent draft picks fighting for their football lives in the preseason. The team is headed into regular season play with a stacked roster, and only 53 slots are available. Unfortunately, that means many promising young players will be cut in the coming weeks.

Of those cut, Baltimore hopes to bring several players back on the practice squad, but some will be claimed by other teams. 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo faced intense pressure this preseason, but a recent injury to a teammate in Week 2 has given him a second chance to make a name for himself.

Fellow pass rusher Adisa Isaac was looking to break out in the weeks ahead of the regular season. Much of his rookie campaign was lost to various injuries. He was limited to just four games and 32 total snaps.

He started off on the right foot, tallying a sack and two hurries in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. However, in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, he dislocated his elbow three snaps into the game. According to Head Coach John Harbaugh, this injury will sideline him at least until the middle of the season.

It is an untimely setback for a talented second-year outside linebacker, who was trying to get his feet off the ground after an injury-riddled rookie season. He is expected to miss time for a good chunk of the regular season, which will likely see him placed on injured reserve. For now, the unfortunate circumstance will likely allow Baltimore to keep Ojabo on the 53-man roster, and he must take advantage of the new life.

David Ojabo reenters the mix after Adisa Isaac's injury

Ojabo has had a strong preseason showing through two weeks. He made a statement against the Colts, rocking Anthony Richardson for a sack and posting a 74.9 grade per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Against the Cowboys, he did not have a sack or any hurries, but once again earned an above-average PFF grade at 70.7.

Still, with a loaded pass rush room full of proven and young talent, the path to a roster spot was not going to come easy. With the various injuries, though, the Ravens should find a way to create a spot for Ojabo.

The coaching staff is still holding out hope for the former Michigan standout. He flashed unreal potential in college, registering 11 sacks and five forced fumbles in his junior campaign. The forced fumbles are a signature of Ojabo’s game, as he has forced two in the 18 NFL games and the limited snaps he has played in.

Similar to Isaac, injuries have unfortunately hampered the 25-year-old’s development. With just one year left on his deal, this is a make-or-break year for Ojabo. If he can sneak onto the roster, he must take advantage of the opportunity.

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