David Ojabo chosen by Baltimore Ravens in second spherical of NFL draft precisely 6 weeks after Achilles damage

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — David Ojabo stated “it means the world” to him to get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens within the second spherical Friday, which was precisely six weeks to the day that he suffered a devastating Achilles damage at his Michigan professional day.

Ojabo was thought of a possible top-10 decide on this 12 months’s NFL draft earlier than he suffered the damage in a positional drill on March 18 and crashed to the bottom, the place he clutched his left leg in ache. On the time, he was ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s top-rated outdoors linebacker prospect.

When he was chosen with the No. 45 total decide, Ojabo closed his eyes, tilted his head again and set free a scream. Then, he hugged members of the family whereas tears ran down his face.

“You have seen it, it was uncooked emotion. Each second of that, I felt it,” Ojabo stated. “Simply being surrounded by family and friends. It is a second I will always remember.”

Cross rush is the Ravens’ greatest want, however there’s a likelihood that Baltimore will not see Ojabo on the sphere till 2023. It is attainable that Ojabo should sit out this season.

Ojabo, who was sporting a protecting boot round his left foot and sat on a sofa Friday, stated he’s nonetheless hopeful to play in 2022.

“I am undoubtedly hopeful,” he stated. “However I am unable to predict the longer term. So, I am simply day-to-day, do as I am advised and hope for one of the best.”

Ojabo stated that was his first-ever damage.

“It is a bump within the street,” he stated. “Simply one other impediment that I will conquer.”

Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta stated the staff’s docs have not seen Ojabo because the medical recheck however they’re “optimistic that sooner or later this 12 months he’ll have an opportunity to play.”

DeCosta acknowledged that he thought Ojabo could be a viable first-round decide for the Ravens after watching him play within the fall.

Final season, Ojabo delivered a career-best 11 sacks and 5 compelled fumbles (which led all Energy 5 gamers) in his solely full season of school soccer.

Ojabo heads to Baltimore, the place he has a whole lot of familiarity. When wholesome, he’ll staff with former highschool teammate Odafe Oweh, the Ravens’ first-round decide from a 12 months in the past, to type a promising pass-rush tandem.

On his Instagram, Odafe posted: “I would bouta be a film!!”

Ojabo additionally reunites with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who served as his defensive coordinator at Michigan final season.

“It is all a part of the plan,” Ojabo stated. “What are the percentages that the person who is available in and provides me an opportunity to play, in the end is the man I am following to the following degree as properly. It is meant to be.”