Could the answer on defense for the Ravens be a second-year player who missed the majority of the 2022 season? Pro Football Focus believes that may just be the case.
Linebacker David Ojabo, who missed most of 2022 due to a torn Achilles, was named as PFF's "breakout candidate" for Baltimore in 2023 after logging just 21 snaps on defense in his rookie campaign.
"He did flash potential in Week 18 against the Bengals, logging 20 of those snaps," PFF writes. "Furthermore, the Ravens have lost Calais Campbell, Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Houston since last season, so Ojabo should have plenty of opportunities to prove himself in 2023."
Ojabo, the Ravens' 2022 second-round pick, had one sack and one forced fumble as a rookie. However, it's his final year at Michigan, when he had 11 sacks and five forced fumbles, that has many excited for what he could be bringing to Baltimore.
PFF is not the only one who sees a big year in store for the 23-year-old as well.
"He looks great. I feel like he's put on some good weight and looks stronger and looks fast," defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald told reporters. "More than anything, I think he's in a great spot mentally right now as well."
DC Mike Macdonald on @DavidOjabo's growth: pic.twitter.com/v23Y5TtZ9z
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 17, 2023
The Ravens are certainly getting younger on defense, and Ojabo may just turn out to be one of the leading forces for years to come.
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