Ojabo Expects to Play in 2022

Happy Friday, Flock Nation! It’s been a week since the 2022 NFL Draft, and my excitement about the Ravens’ rookie class has only grown after a week of interviews and watching film.

I still can’t believe Kyle Hamilton fell to the Ravens at 14, and apparently, neither can Eric DeCosta.

What was Eric DeCosta thinking when the Eagles jumped the Ravens for Jordan Davis?

“I was thinking thank God Kyle Hamilton is still on the board because he was the highest-rated player, quite honestly, and it wasn’t super close between those two.”https://t.co/G5BLKKqsZE

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 6, 2022

Everything pointed to the Ravens taking Jordan Davis before the Eagles sniped him, but the run on wide receivers left one consensus top-10 player on the board: Hamilton. Apparently, both on Ravens Twitter and in Baltimore’s war room, Hamilton was a no-brainer pick, even for a team that has plenty of safety talent.

The Ravens also got a positive update from second-round pick David Ojabo, who told Sports Illustrated that he could be back as soon as October from the torn Achilles he suffered in March.

David Ojabo (Achilles) plans to play this season.

“So far no pain, good flexibility, already biking. Cam Akers busted it and played in 5.5 months. That lands me at August, Sept, maybe even October. Season’s still going. So, yeah, I anticipate playing.”https://t.co/lpTannK230

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) May 5, 2022

The Ravens will likely be cautious in bringing Ojabo along after last year’s injury struggles, but there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll adjust to the NFL quite quickly.

One of the most underrated things regarding Ojabo is the decreased learning curve he’ll be subject to. Having the familiarity with Macdonald and his system will be huge for him once he’s back on the field.

Macdonald knows where he can be successful early on

— Garrett Ferguson (@GarrettSprints) May 5, 2022

Ojabo’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald from Michigan will help him learn the Ravens defense quickly, while his likely early role as a designated pass rusher will act as a natural limit on his snaps.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Ravens’ rookies will look to hit the ground running with rookie minicamp, the NFL’s version of your first day of school.

First Day of School pic.twitter.com/33F0K3XdrL

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 6, 2022

Missouri running back Tyler Badie became the first to sign his rookie contract with the Ravens, a four-year deal for $3.7 million. That could be a steal for a back who could be ready to start by his third year.

Ravens’ 6th Rd pick RB Tyler Badie’s new 4-yr deal is worth a total value of $3,834,616 & includes a $174,616 Signing Bonus. Badie’s 2022 Cap number will be $748,654.

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) May 6, 2022

But the Ravens are still searching for another wide receiver after trading away Hollywood Brown, and RGIII thinks that the focus on tight ends and running backs in Greg Roman’s offense is what’s keeping them away.

Marquise Brown wanted out of Baltimore because of Greg Roman NOT Lamar Jackson. Marquise knows G-Ro’s system runs through the backs and tight ends, so it’s unlikely a WR1 will get big money. The best way to get paid was to be in a pass first offense in @AZCardinals A THREAD 1/4

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 5, 2022

Still, the Ravens could look for a veteran on the free agent market as a reliable, Sammy Watkins-esque signing to bring more experience to their wide receiver room.

Yes. Baltimore is doing its due diligence at the wide receiver position. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them snag a free agent—if the price is right— now that the Draft is done & calls around the league have picked up some since then. https://t.co/7WrPvhXCsh

— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 5, 2022

Jarvis Landry and Julio Jones are at the top of most fans’ wish lists, while Emmanuel Sanders could be an option as well.

The post Ojabo Expects to Play in 2022 appeared first on Russell Street Report.