The Baltimore Ravens took a swing for the fences when they selected outside linebacker Odafe Oweh with the 31st pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Playing college football at Penn State University, Oweh showed his athletic ability and massive upside on a week-to-week basis. However, many questioned if he could make the transition to the NFL level, as he didn’t accumulate a single sack in his final collegiate season.
It’s safe to say that Oweh has put his doubters in a tough spot with the start that he’s gotten off to during the 2021 season. He’s accumulated 14 total tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, while also leading Baltimore in sacks with three. Through seven weeks, Oweh is the third-highest graded defensive lineman in the league, with the only defenders above him being Kwity Paye of the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathon Cooper of the Denver Broncos.
The BEST rookie DL in the #NFL
pic.twitter.com/yRmLXKSohI
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 27, 2021
Not only has Oweh been bringing the quarterback to the ground, he’s also getting to opposing signal callers more than any rookie in the league.
Most pressures among rookies this season:
Odafe Oweh- 24 pic.twitter.com/7HfOrKYvTI
— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) October 28, 2021
Oweh stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 251 pounds, so his physical gifts are rather impressive. He has also only been playing football for a few years, so he still has plenty of room to grow. The early returns from Oweh have been very positive so far, and the rookie will look to continue making an impact as the rest of the year progresses.