Ravens Rookie David Ojabo Deems Himself Ready to Play

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens coach John Harbaugh was still uncertain whether rookie linebacker David Ojabo will make his NFL debut in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers.

Ojabo said he is fully recovered from an Achilles injury and ready to make an impact if he is activated.

"If my number is called, I just know I'll be ready," Ojabo said. "I feel good. I feel great actually."

The @Ravens have been more conservative with the snaps for outside linebacker Justin Houston.
The team has put him on the field less, which has led to more production.#RavensFlock https://t.co/B8bEAzy8Ge via @toddkarpovich toddkarpovich
— Todd Karpovich (@toddkarpovich) November 17, 2022

The Ravens selected Ojabo in the second round of this year's NFL draft. He fell to them because of the Achilles injury he sustained during his Pro Day.

Last season at Michigan, Ojabo appeared in all 14 games with six starts at outside linebacker in 2021, finishing with 35 tackles, including 12 for loss, 11 sacks, and three pass breakups. He also had eight quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and a program-record five forced fumbles.

He is also reunited with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who held the same position at Michigan last season.

"[Ojabo] is playing fast," Macdonald said. "Obviously, the playbook, he’s familiar with, so it’s just a matter of getting ready to roll. But I think his confidence is right there, and he looks good.”

Ojabo would be a further boost to the pass rush. The Ravens already have 27 sacks on the season.

Justin Houston leads the team with 8.5 sacks and is on the verge of becoming the first Ravens player to earn double-digit sacks since Terrell Suggs in 2017.

Defensive end Calais Campbell needs three sacks to become the 63rd player in NFL history to reach the century mark.