When you have as talented of a roster as the Ravens do, it’s inevitable that there will be some quality players who don’t make the final cut. It’s a good problem to have for the Ravens, but not for cut candidates like fourth-year linebacker David Ojabo.
Ojabo’s Lack of Production, Injury Issues Make Him a Cut Candidate
While most players hope to negotiate a hefty pay bump during their contract year, that isn’t the case for Ojabo. Instead, he’s ‘clawing for survival’ among the other talented edge rushers on the Ravens roster, according to Geoffrey A. Knox on Ravens Wire.
Ojabo finished his college career as a potential top-15 pick, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles during his Pro Day, causing him to drop to the Ravens at No. 45 overall.
But, he hasn’t been able to gain much traction during his first three seasons. The cut candidate has played just 18 total games since 2022, recording four sacks and 16 total tackles.
Despite his lack of performance, “he seemingly has no desire to go quietly,” wrote Knox.
Knox noted that it’s tough to accurately evaluate players before pads and tackling. But, Ojabo has made the most of his opportunities so far this offseason.
“The eyeball test still works, though, and Ojabo has given Roger Rosengarten the business through the first days of practice,” Knox wrote. “Some have wondered what the fourth-year Ravens defender might look like with a whole summer to prepare, and so far, they have gotten an encouraging answer. He has been impressive.”
Unfortunately for Ojabo, his injuries have come at the most inopportune times thus far. But, if he can continue to put up a good fight against Rosengarten and show that his injuries are behind him, the cut candidate can play himself into a roster spot.
“Making the roster isn’t impossible, but it isn’t a given either,” Knox wrote. “Ojabo must take advantage of every snap. If he’s to catapult himself onto the roster, he may need to leapfrog someone.”
Ojabo Listed ‘On the Bubble’ to Make Ravens Roster, But Head Coach John Harbaugh Isn’t Giving up on Him Yet
The Ravens could always use depth at linebacker, especially considering the age of their projected starters. But, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec listed Ojabo as being a cut candidate “on the bubble” in his 53-man roster prediction.
“Keeping more than five outside linebackers would limit the Ravens elsewhere on the roster, so that final spot will likely come down to [Adisa] Isaac, Ojabo and [Malik] Hamm,” Zrebiec wrote.
Ultimately, Ojabo’s performance during training camp and the preseason will determine whether the Ravens can trust the fourth-year linebacker more than the other young players at the position.
Rookie Adisa Isaac suffered through an injury-riddled season last year, playing just 32 total defensive snaps across four games. But, Zrebiec believes that the Ravens “almost certainly aren’t going to give up on Isaac.”
According to Spotrac, designating Ojabo as a post-June 1 release would only save the Ravens $1,783,516.
“If he doesn’t have a big summer, the Ravens probably will move on,” Zrebiec wrote. “If Ojabo looks like he’s much improved, letting him go for nothing would be a misstep,” he continued.
On the other hand, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh doesn’t seem to have given any thought to Ojabo being a cut candidate. Ravens writer Kevin Eck wrote about Ojabo on Friday, noting that Harbaugh “likes what he’s seen in camp thus far and has high expectations.”
“I think David being on the field consistently will be the key,” Harbaugh said. “He didn’t play at all his first year. Last year, he got a little bit ‘nicked up.’ I think he’s healthy, stronger than he has ever been. He looks great out here the first two days [of training camp]. I expect him to play great.”
Ravens Cut Candidate ‘Clawing for Survival’ After Underwhelming Start to Career