DO #50

David Ojabo

Linebacker · Michigan

A once top-10-caliber pass rusher whose Achilles tear at Michigan's pro day sent him tumbling to the second round, where injuries have continued to slow his NFL ascent.

David Ojabo's story spans three continents: born in Nigeria, raised in Scotland, developed into a football prospect in New Jersey. A torn Achilles on the eve of the 2022 draft cost him millions and derailed his rookie timeline, and durability has remained the central challenge of his four seasons in Baltimore.

★ Second-team All-American at Michigan (2021)

★ First-team All-Big Ten (2021)

★ 11 sacks and five forced fumbles in his 2021 breakout season at Michigan

★ Second-round pick, No. 45 overall, 2022 NFL Draft

Path to the league

Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Ojabo moved with his family to Aberdeen, Scotland, before relocating to New Jersey at 17 to attend Blair Academy, where he switched from basketball to football. At Michigan, he broke out in 2021 with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles, earning second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors. A torn Achilles at Michigan's pro day in March 2022 dropped him from a projected top-10 pick to the second round, where the Ravens selected him 45th overall.

Career highlights

Ojabo opened his rookie year on injured reserve recovering from the Achilles injury before being activated in November 2022 and recording his first career sack in Week 18. A second injury setback sent him back to IR in September 2023. Through four seasons in Baltimore, he has reunited on the defense with former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and totaled 32 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

2025 season recap

Ojabo played a rotational role in Baltimore's 2025 defense while also contributing on special teams, finishing with 16 tackles, including 0.5 sacks, over 14 games. His defensive snap share dropped off after Week 8, rarely exceeding 24 percent for the rest of the season. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in March 2026.