Baltimore Ravens edge rusher David Ojabo had one of the most bone-crushing hits of the first weekend of the preseason, a free run at Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was injured on the play.
The hit was a mistake on the part of Indy, but it was a reminder that Ojabo, once a projected first-round pick, is battling for his future in the final year of his rookie contract.
After playing just 18 regular-season games in three years, the 25-year-old is finally healthy.
"It is my first true offseason [being fully] healthy," he said on Monday, via the team's official transcript. "I feel like myself. [I] feel confident, [and I am] just kind of letting it rip. [I am] not thinking about rehabbing. I'm just thinking about football. I'm doing good. [I want to] keep getting better day by day."
A Nigerian native, Ojabo first moved to Scotland when he was in grade school, and then finally made his way to New Jersey at the age of 17. As such, he picked up American football later than most.
Ojabo didn't play his first year at Michigan in 2019, and he only saw six games during the COVID-19-impacted 2020. He burst onto the scene in 2021 as a starter, generating 11 sacks opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
The athletic edge was a potential first-round pick, but he suffered an Achilles injury during his pro day. He fell to Round 2, where the Ravens scooped him up despite expecting him to play little in Year 1. He played in just two games in 2022, earning one sack. The following season, he was still hampered by injury, playing in three games and earning one sack.
Last season, he played in 13 games but didn't have the breakout year many expected.
Playing in a preseason game in which most of the key contributors sat out underscores Ojabo's standing. Coach John Harbaugh noted that reps are important for a player like Ojabo.
"I saw a lot of it in the game. I think he is playing in a very direct way," the coach said. "The thing about David Ojabo -- it's important to remember -- he's not a guy that played a lot of football. He was late to football in high school, might've played one year of high school football. He really only played one year of college football, really, is what he ended up playing as far as a full season. And then he got hurt coming out.
"So, football is kind of one of these games where the more you play it, the better feel you have for it. It's like any sport, probably, but I think his upside is really there, and I believe that we'll see it. I think we've seen it already in camp. I'm looking forward to the games so [that] everybody can see it, really. But yes, he's an upside guy."
Buried on the depth chart, Ojabo isn't just seeking playing time -- he's fighting to make the initial 53-man roster as he enters his contract year. Ojabo noted that he's not worried about the Ravens' logjam at OLB, and he's just focused on playing "fast."
"Just being free. [And just] being out there, going hard, getting a call and just going 100 percent," he said. "That's what it is like at the pro level. Everybody's good. So if you're hesitating, if you're thinking about anything other than your true assignment, you'll fold. So yes, just being free; playing free and having fun."
Outside linebacker coach Matt Robinson said he's seen an improved Ojabo during training camp.
"I really want him to affect the game in kind of different ways, whether it's setting a dominant edge, being a physical player, getting pocket push and then getting his body on the quarterback," Robinson said. "I think we saw him take steps towards that in the game, and he has a couple more opportunities to kind of prove that going forward."
It's rare for a player to burst out in Year 4, but given the Nigerian's background, he's still young in terms of his football life. Perhaps if he can stay healthy, we'll finally see that athletic playmaker in the NFL.
